Roundtable hosted by the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), the University of Lancaster’s SEPAD Project and the Foreign Policy Centre

On 8th December 2024, a coalition of armed opposition groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew the government of Bashar al-Assad, marking the end of the Assad family’s over 50 year rule in Syria. The country has now entered a pivotal phase of transition, with an interim 5-year constitution in place and a new government led by interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The UK Government and the European Union have both welcomed the declaration of a new Syrian Government and its commitment to advancing accountability efforts, free and fair elections and the rights of minorities. On 27th July, it was announced that the first parliamentary elections under the new authorities would be held between 15-20th September 2025.

Ahead of these elections, this roundtable event, chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC, is an opportunity to take stock of where things stand now in Syria, examine the ongoing national dialogue about the country’s future, and assess how mechanisms for international justice and accountability could develop.

Whilst the situation in Syria remains fragile, the path forward presents both urgent challenges and historic opportunities, including how to deal with past atrocities and legacy of the al-Assad regime. Severe economic challenges and humanitarian needs are rife, and ongoing mass displacement continues to strain Syrians as the country seeks to rebuild and chart a new future. Moreover, calls remain for accountability and justice for grave human rights abuses to be a priority for the government, requiring the urgent collection and safeguarding of evidence, including from mass grave sites and government records/archives.

This discussion will bring together parliamentarians, legal and policy experts, Syrian civil society representatives and academics, with a panel of experts addressing key questions: how justice can be delivered for victims and survivors? What role should the UK and the international community play in supporting democratic institutions? And what are the prospects for long-term peace and governance?

Speakers:

– Sana Kikhia, Executive Director, Syrian Legal Development Programme (SLDP)

– Dr Maria Kastrinou, Senior Lecturer in Anthropology at Brunel, University of London

– Alan Haji, Lead for Case Building, Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC)

– Mariana Karkoutly, Co-Founder and Board Member, Huquqyat

– Yumen Hallaq, Senior researcher at the Syrian Network for Human Rights

– Professor Simon Mabon, Chair in International Politics at Lancaster University and Director of the Sectarianism, Proxies and De-sectarianisation (SEPAD) project

Discussion chaired by Mark Stephens CBE, Co-Chair of the IBAHRI Council.

Please note that space is limited and registration is required to attend. If you are interested in joining the session, please send an email to events@fpc.org.uk including your full name, e-mail, job title, and organisation. We will follow up to confirm your place and provide further details.