ISIS Members Detained in North East Syria - Legal and Security Challenges and Recommendations for Their Judgment under International and National Law
This report summarises the main discussions at a meeting held in Geneva on 23 May 2019 about the possible legal solutions for members of the Islamic State detained in North-East Syria.
June 14, 2019
Meeting Report
Summary
Fight for Humanity publishes a report to summarize the main discussions at a meeting hold in Geneva on 23 May 2019 about the possible legal solutions for members of the Islamic States detained in North-East Syria.
More than 2'000 foreigners from 70 different countries, 3'000 Syrians and a similar number of Iraqis - men, women, children - are reported to be detained by the Self-Administration in North East Syria (NES) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The NES/SDF has called for the support of the international community to judge them after many of their countries of origin decided to not to repatriate them.
The meeting, co-organized by the NGO Fight for Humanity and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, gathered more than 50 legal experts, representatives of States, international organizations, NGOs, and from North-East Syria.
Based on the meeting report and despite divergences among participants, Fight for Humanity has formulated 10 recommendations.
Include the victims' associations in any legal process.
Put emphasis on "war crimes" rather than "terrorism" crimes.
Coordinate with the different stakeholders.
Combine solutions.
Ensure fair trials.
Avoid creating a perception of "victor's justice".
Include the situation of all detainees in the discussions.
Treat children with special care.
Take responsibility.
Act quickly.