The head of the National Authority for Transitional Justice, Abdel Basset Abdel Latif, revealed his work plan during the 30 days specified by the decree establishing the authority, issued on May 17.
In a video statement published on the authority‘s Facebook account on Friday, May 23, Abdel Latif stated that the authority would adopt a clear practical roadmap based on realistic foundations that take into account the Syrian context and its uniqueness. This includes a national awareness plan regarding the concept of transitional justice, an online platform for receiving complaints, and mechanisms for communicating with the community. Additionally, periodic and credible reports documenting achievements will be released.
During the 30-day deadline, the authority will work to “form a working team that includes representatives of the victims, legal and human rights experts, specialists in forensic evidence and criminal research, and representatives of civil society organizations. We will also rely on an advisory council representing the victims, which will accompany the authority’s work at all stages and help establish its internal system.”
Abdel Latif pledged full commitment to diligent and persistent work to implement this task, in line with the aspirations of the Syrian people from all its components, through the following:
Revealing the truth about the grave violations caused by the fallen regime. Holding accountable the perpetrators of those violations in coordination with relevant authorities. Compensating the victims for the damages they suffered. Establishing principles of non-recurrence and enhancing national reconciliation.Not retributive justice
Abdel Latif emphasized that the authority will be a truthful voice for the victims, revealing the reality of what they have suffered during years of violence and brutal repression of peaceful protests that raised flowers and called for reform.
Today, the National Authority for Transitional Justice carries a “great responsibility,” according to Abdel Latif, which involves “accounting and holding accountable the perpetrators of crimes, ensuring justice for the victims and their families, and addressing the consequences of systematic violations in ways that contribute to establishing justice, preventing recurrence of what happened, and founding a solid national reconciliation based on the rule of law and enhancing the trust of Syrians in the justice system, leading to lasting peace and comprehensive national revival.”
The head of the National Authority for Transitional Justice affirmed that justice in Syria “will not be retributive,” but rather based on revealing the truth, accountability, preventing impunity, and establishing the rule of law. He stressed that this authority will be an effective platform for redressing victims, honoring them, commemorating their memories, and providing compensation, leading to comprehensive national reconciliation that preserves the dignity of all Syrians.
Abdel Basset Abdel Latif is the former secretary-general of the Syrian National Coalition. He holds a law degree from the University of Aleppo (1986), was the former deputy head of the Syrian Supreme Hajj Committee, and is the head of the political office of the Lions of the East Army.
International welcome
The decision to establish the National Authority for Transitional Justice and the National Missing Persons Authority in Syria has been welcomed by several entities. The European Union considered it an important step toward comprehensive justice and the truth that the Syrian people deserve.
Michael Ohnmacht, the EU charge d’affaires in Syria, tweeted that the formation of the National Transitional Justice Committee and the National Missing Persons Committee in Syria is an important step towards addressing highly significant files in the path of comprehensive justice.
Ohnmacht added, “The European Union is following these developments and hopes for cooperation between the committees and Syrian civil society and international human rights organizations. It is ready to cooperate if requested.”
Britain also welcomed the formation of the authority, with the Foreign Office stating that “this step is important for achieving justice and reconciliation for the Syrian people. We continue to prioritize efforts in this regard and stand ready to cooperate in this matter.”
For its part, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria stated that the establishment of the two new national authorities for missing persons and transitional justice in Syria is a fundamental step toward uncovering the truth regarding missing persons and the grave violations committed in Syria.
The commission expressed its eagerness to participate in achieving justice, redressing harm, and preventing recurrence for all victims.
Limitation to the crimes of the overthrown regime
Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned that the limited authority of the National Authority for Transitional Justice undermines its credibility and excludes many victims.
In a statement on May 20, the human rights organization urged the Syrian government to ensure that survivors and affected communities play a central role in shaping the transitional justice process.
It noted that the decree establishing the Transitional Justice Authority is restricted to the crimes committed by the ousted regime of Bashar al-Assad only, excluding victims of violations committed by non-state actors. It also does not clarify how victims will be effectively involved in the committee’s work or whether they will participate.
Human Rights Watch stated that the establishment of the National Missing Persons Authority “was met with cautious optimism, but its success depends on transparency, a rights-based framework, and genuine participation of victims, as is the case with the National Authority for Transitional Justice.” It affirmed that “without these elements, even this important effort will fail to meet the justified expectations of Syrians.”
The organization added that “recent atrocities and the rise of sectarian rhetoric emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive transitional justice process for all Syrians, not just some.” It considered that “the Syrian government now stands at a crossroads: either to adopt a genuine process centered on the victims and acknowledge the rights of all survivors, or to perpetuate exclusion and deepen divisions.”
What are the powers of both authorities?
On May 17, the Syrian transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, issued decrees No. 19 and 20 for the year 2025, which provided for the establishment of the National Missing Persons Authority and the National Authority for Transitional Justice, based on the provisions of the constitutional declaration and powers granted to the president.
Decree No. 20 stipulated the formation of an independent body named the “National Authority for Transitional Justice,” tasked with uncovering the truth about the grave violations caused by the previous regime, holding accountable the responsible parties in coordination with the relevant authorities, compensating the damage inflicted on victims, and establishing principles of non-recurrence and national reconciliation.
Syria’s National Authority for Transitional Justice defines its plan Enab Baladi.
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