A training course for lawyers on enhancing human rights and transitional justice concepts in Syria began today, Sunday, in Homs governorate. It is organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in cooperation with the Central Bar Association and its Homs branch, aiming to develop legal competencies, enhance knowledge of international standards, and ensure fair trial guarantees.
The course is held at the Saphir Hotel in Homs, as part of a five-day training program. It includes two training sessions on the first and second days, a consultative meeting on the third day, and a workshop on the fourth and fifth days, with participation from lawyers nominated by the Bar Association’s branch council in the governorate.
Developing legal skills
Sulaiman al-Qurfan, a member of the Central Bar Association, told SANA that organizing these courses aligns with the Bar’s direction to develop the legal profession and elevate lawyers’ professional performance by introducing them to international experiences, legislation, and treaties related to human rights and transitional justice.
He noted that the program is implemented under a memorandum of understanding between the Bar and the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Courses have been held in Damascus and Aleppo, and are currently being completed in Homs. He emphasized the importance of utilizing international treaties and standards to address issues and crimes not adequately covered by national legislation, explaining that familiarity with international law helps lawyers prepare more specialized defense briefs and rely on relevant legal references, thereby enhancing fair trial guarantees.
Human rights and legal axes
For his part, Ammar Az al-Din, a member of the Homs Bar Association branch council, stated in a similar interview that the program aims to spread the culture of human rights and transitional justice among lawyers. It covers international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and the principles and paths of transitional justice in Syria.
He stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Bar Association and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and benefiting from international expertise and mechanisms related to human rights protection, contributing to the development of the legal and rights protection system. For her part, lawyer Yasmeen Azouz, a participant from the Homs Bar Association branch, clarified that the training focuses on enhancing the role of lawyers in the transitional justice process. She noted that the first day’s topics cover international humanitarian law and international human rights law, supporting the development of legal practice and enhancing fair trial guarantees.
The course comes within the framework of efforts to strengthen the transitional justice process in Syria, particularly following the establishment of the National Authority for Transitional Justice under Decree No. (20) of 2025. Its goal is to uncover the truth, hold perpetrators of violations and crimes against the Syrian people accountable, provide reparations to victims, consolidate the rule of law, and ensure non-repetition of violations.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
Comments (0)