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Syria : Follow up Information Provided to Committee against Torture
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Syria was reviewed by the UN Committee against Torture in May 2012, as part of a special review, a relatively rare occurrence for the UN Committee. In conclusion of its review, the Committee issued a series of recommendations, and requested that the Syrian authorities provided information on how it had implemented these recommendations at the Committee's next session in May. While Syria has not provided any new information, Alkarama did provide follow up information for the Committee to consider, with a special focus on the outcome of cases referred to in our initial special report.
Alkarama initially provided a special report, expressing our concerns about the situation relating torture in the country in May 2012. Our follow up report available in English highlights the fact that there have been no policy changes by the Syrians, investigations into allegations of torture do not take place, and that attacks continued against the civilian population. Enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention facilitate torture and abuse. Particularly concerning is the fact that individuals speaking out about these practices are themselves being targeted by the authorities.
Given the lack of government reply, according to its working methods, the Committee will send a request for the follow up information to be provided. Syria should respond, as per its reporting obligations under the Convention against Torture. Alkarama believes that if the recommendations issued by the Committee are to be fully implemented, this would go a long way to address the concerns of the international community about the problem of torture in Syria.
