The Netherlands takes first step in holding Syria’s torturers to account
The Dutch Foreign Ministry says it will hold Syria responsible for "gross human rights violations" in a process that could make its way to the UN's International Court of Justice.
The Netherlands is laying the groundwork for a case against Syria at the United Nations' highest court, announcing today it will be holding the Syrian government responsible for the widely documented human rights violations carried out inside its torture chambers.
“The Assad regime has committed horrific crimes time after time. The evidence is overwhelming. There must be consequences,” Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said in a statement.
The Dutch government sent a diplomatic note to the Syrian government today reminding Damascus of its obligations under the United Nations Convention against Torture and requesting negotiations over its violations.
By invoking the torture convention, of which both countries are signatories, the Netherlands can propose to submit the case to arbitration should negotiations with Syria fail. If that doesn’t work, the Dutch can then refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice in the Hague.
