The journey toward justice for victims of the Syrian regime’s atrocities has been long and fraught with challenges. However, as we reflect on the current progress of Universal Jurisdiction (UJ) trials and the significance of emerging archives, it is clear that we are at a pivotal moment in this fight for accountability.

Universal Jurisdiction trials have already made substantial strides in holding individuals accountable for the regime’s crimes, with German courts leading the way. These trials mark a crucial shift in international law, enabling the prosecution of perpetrators regardless of their nationality or the location of their crimes. While these efforts are groundbreaking, they remain incomplete. The road ahead demands that we do more to ensure comprehensive justice.

A critical turning point in this journey comes with the fall of the Syrian regime. Such a moment could unlock access to archives housed within Syrian prisons—archives that may hold the key to documenting the unimaginable suffering endured by countless victims. Whether they take the form of physical records, digital files, or survivor testimonies, these archives offer irrefutable evidence of the regime’s crimes.

These materials are not just historical records; they are urgent calls to action. They hold the potential to dramatically expand the scope of Universal Jurisdiction trials, bringing to light new cases and enabling justice in ways previously unthinkable. But simply uncovering these archives is not enough. The challenge lies in ensuring they are effectively utilized, both in international courts and within potential community-based justice systems in Syria itself.

This raises a fundamental question: how do we connect the efforts of the Syrian diaspora—many of whom have sought refuge abroad—with those still living inside Syria, who are closer to these vital records of history? The diaspora has already played an instrumental role in preserving evidence and advocating for justice, but their connection to those inside Syria will be essential in ensuring these archives are meaningfully incorporated into legal processes.

Diasporic Syrians are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap. They can advocate for the inclusion of archival evidence in ongoing UJ trials, support the transfer of this evidence to courts, and help establish local mechanisms for justice. Their role is not only logistical but also symbolic—they embody the voices of those in exile, amplifying the calls for accountability from within Syria.

The international community also has a crucial role to play. Institutions such as the United Nations, the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) must facilitate the integration of these archives into legal frameworks. National governments must collaborate to ensure that UJ trials are adaptable enough to accommodate this new evidence. This cooperation will require sustained commitment, funding, and political will.

At the same time, local and community-based justice systems must be empowered to take an active role. Post-regime Syria could present an opportunity to establish local courts and tribunals to address the crimes documented in these archives. Such systems would ensure that justice is not only a distant, international endeavor but also a tangible reality for Syrians on the ground.

The pursuit of justice for Syria must be comprehensive and inclusive. It requires collaboration across multiple levels: between international courts and local efforts, between diasporic communities and those still in Syria, and between survivors and advocates.

The discovery of archives inside Syrian prisons offers an unprecedented opportunity to shape a justice system that encompasses accountability, healing, and reconciliation. By acting decisively to utilize these materials in both international and local courts, we can create a system that serves all Syrians—whether in exile or still enduring life within the country’s borders.

This effort cannot succeed in isolation. It demands a united international community, driven by a shared commitment to human rights and justice. Together, we can bridge the fragmented efforts for accountability and create a unified, enduring legacy of justice for Syria.

Through collaboration, determination, and a collective will to uphold human rights, we can turn this pivotal moment into a transformative chapter in Syria’s history—one where justice is not a distant aspiration, but a reality within reach.