A/RES/80/224 Situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, and emphasizing the need to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes under international law, Recognizing that Syria stands at a historic crossroads, with an opportunity to move beyond the legacy of repression and conflict towards a new chapter defined by representation, accountability and stability, and acknowledging that the Syrian Government and people are navigating a transition amid some of the most complex challenges seen globally, Commending the progress achieved since December 2024, while reiterating that the political transition process in Syria must fulfil the aspirations of all Syrians, protect all Syrians and enable them to peacefully and independently determine a representative future, and underscoring that the path forward for Syria must remain anchored in dialogue, accountability and broad-based participation, and that failure to do so risks renewed violence, fragmentation and prolonged instability, Welcoming in this regard statements by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic that those governing Syria bear profound responsibility to ensure that all atrocities, abuses and violations, including those committed by the former regime, are never repeated, and that the Syrian people deserve a homeland where their rights are respected, protected and fulfilled, their voices are heard and their dignity is preserved, Emphasizing the importance of transitional justice, including victims’ meaningful participation, in order to ensure accountability, end impunity, promote reconciliation and prevent the recurrence of atrocities, abuses and human rights violations, in accordance with international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law, Recognizing the need for a survivor-centred approach in preventing and responding to all crimes, including sexual violence in conflict and post -conflict situations, and further recognizing the need for survivors of all crimes, including sexual violence, to receive non‑discriminatory access to services such as medical and psychosocial care to the fullest extent practicable and need to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and that violations of the obligations on the treatment of victims can amount to serious violations of international law, Underscoring the contributions of international mechanisms, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Commission of Inquiry, the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism and the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic, with respect to their independent and complementary mandates, in providing support to the national efforts undertaken by the Government of Syria, including the National Commission on Transitional Justice and the National Commission on Missing Persons, to ensure Syrian-led, Syrian-owned truth, justice and accountability, and welcoming the increasing access granted by the Government of Syria to support investigations and accountability efforts, which is unpreceden ted in the country’s recent history, Reaffirming the importance of efforts by the Government of Syria to foster dialogue among representatives of the country’s many different communities, while also actively working to safeguard religious sites and protect and preserve the rich religious and cultural heritage and life of Syria, recognizing that these actions are vital to promoting stability, peace and prosperity throughout the country, 2/7 25-20990