Syria continues to violate ICJ order to prevent acts of torture – HRW
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Human Rights Watch (HRW) announced on Wednesday that the Syrian government has failed to comply with the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) order to take all necessary measures to prevent acts of torture in Syria.
According to HRW’s report, Syrians continue to face the risks of enforced disappearance, torture, and death in detention centers characterized by appalling conditions.
“Syrian officials are still sending people to the country’s detention centers, which are notorious for torture,” said Balkees Jarrah, associate director for international justice at HRW.
Jarrah warned that Syrians, including those who have returned voluntarily or were forcibly repatriated from host countries, remain vulnerable to enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and inhumane treatment.
HRW urged countries hosting Syrian refugees to immediately halt any forced or coercive repatriation processes and ensure that any returns are voluntary and adhere to international legal standards. The organization also called for an end to policies that encourage or facilitate such returns under current conditions.
The rights group emphasized the urgent need for governments to leverage their influence to ensure Syria’s compliance with the ICJ order and to support efforts to achieve accountability for ongoing human rights violations.