Torture continues in Syria despite ICJ order – U.N. expert
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A U.N. expert said on Monday that allegations of torture continue in Syria despite order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), urging the Syrian government to take action to eradicate all forms of torture.
Alice Jill Edwards, U.N. Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, said, “I am alarmed about reports that indicate that torture is still being practiced on a large scale in Syria.”
She added that “This is despite the very clear order of the ICJ to end torture without delay. More than six months later there is no sign at all that torture is being addressed in the country.”
On Nov.17, 2023, the ICJ ordered the Syrian government to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
“Information available alleges that torture continues to be practiced widely in flagrant disregard for the lives, and the physical and psychological health, of thousands of individuals who are in detention centres operated by the Syrian Government,” said Edwards.
The order came after both Canada and The Netherlands filed a case claiming that the Syria government committed countless violations of International law, beginning at least in 2011.