Geneva, July 9, 2025—On July 10 and 11, ICTJ will convene a high-level dialogue in Geneva that will bring members of Syria’s newly established National Commission for the Missing and National Commission for Transitional Justice together with international experts and representatives from Syrian civil society represented by the Bridges of Truth project and victims’ groups and multilateral institutions. The two-day event aims to provide guidance to the commissioners as they develop and implement their mandates as well as support Syrian-led efforts to build transparent and inclusive institutions.
The first day, cohosted by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will focus on the broader architecture of Syria’s emerging transitional justice landscape. Thematic sessions will reflect on the outcomes of community dialogues held on April 28–30 in seven cities and towns across Syria. Organized by the ICTJ-led Bridges of Truth project, these community dialogues provided a safe space for dozens of Syrian residents to share their stories and hardships, discuss their needs, and express their hopes for justice and reconciliation. Drawing on findings from the dialogues and lessons from other post-conflict settings, participants will examine proposals for Syria’s newly established transitional justice institutions, clarify their institutional mandates, and lay the groundwork for coordinated national and international action.
On the second day, the National Commission for the Missing will present key findings from the recent consultations with families of the missing, civil society actors, and government representatives that it held in partnership with ICTJ in Damascus on July 5–8. The ensuing expert discussions will consider the commission’s institutional design; community trust-building; coordination with other mechanisms; and the integration of archival, forensic, and data protection standards. The goal is to help shape the commission’s mandate and operational framework in line with international best practices and the needs of victims and affected communities and to strengthen its capacity to meaningfully address the issue of enforced disappearance in Syria.
Participants from across the globe, including specialists in the search for missing persons, forensic science, and legal reform and representatives from governments and UN agencies, will attend the high-level meetings in Geneva. “Those gathering will bring not only their deep technical expertise on commissions of the missing, but they also carry with them the voices of the many victims of enforced disappearance worldwide and the lessons learned over decades working to restore a modicum of dignity to their families,” stressed Elena Naughton, ICTJ senior expert.
Through strategic discussions, insights from comparative experiences, and expert analysis, the dialogue seeks to help the two commissions chart a credible and effective path forward. The gathering is also expected to deepen the commissions’ international partnerships and reinforce their commitment to truth and justice for the families of the missing.
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PHOTO: Syrian residents from Damascus share their stories during the ICTJ-led community dialogue session on April 30. (Abedalbaset Alhasan/ICTJ)
