Image source: Syrian Revolution Memory
On November 16, 2022, the Syrian Association for Citizens’ Dignity (SACD) identified three key-concerns preventing displaced Syrians and refugees from returning home. One of these major concerns was the fear of chemical weapons use in Syria and its lasting consequences.
The SACD released a research paper on creating a safe, inclusive, and sustainable environment for the return of displaced persons and refugees in Syria.
The research was conducted over two years through organized and continuous campaigns involving meetings, discussions, and surveys with thousands of Syrians inside and outside Syria. The results were reviewed by Syrian and international legal and constitutional experts.
The 41-page paper identifies three major fears that are limiting the return of displaced Syrians:
- War crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of chemical weapons, which have had lasting effects and were committed with impunity.
- The security situation in Syria is viewed as the main obstacle to any large-scale return of displaced persons and refugees.
- Arbitrary detention, forced disappearance, forced recruitment, extortion, and harassment are serious risks faced by returnees.
Regarding Russia’s involvement, the paper suggests that Russia has achieved its own military and political goals in Syria and played a “fictitious” role as a guarantor of several agreements, including the return of displaced Syrians and the destruction of the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons.
In 2013, following the Ghouta chemical attack that killed approximately 1,400 civilians, the Syrian regime entrusted Russia with overseeing the removal and destruction of its chemical weapons stockpile. Despite this, the paper asserts that the regime, with Russian knowledge, did not fully dismantle its chemical weapons and continued to use them in subsequent years.
The paper calls for accountability for all perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria, including those affiliated with Russia, Iran, and the Syrian regime.
It also highlights several key issues and offers solutions that could contribute to the establishment of a secure Syria. These proposals include parliamentary oversight of future weapons and military equipment purchases.
chemical_attack chemical_weapons syria
