Justice remains elusive for the victims of the chemical weapons attacks on Ghouta, near Damascus, which killed hundreds of people. Available evidence strongly suggests that Syrian forces carried out the attacks, though the government denies responsibility. Subsequently, under considerable international pressure, Syria acceded to the Chemical Weapons Convention and agreed to eliminate its chemical weapons.
However, international efforts to ensure credible justice for these and other ongoing grave human rights crimes in Syria have proved elusive. On May 22, Russia and China blocked a UN Security Council resolution that would have referred the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.
The execution of US journalist James Foley, if confirmed, constitutes a war crime. More details are emerging about the last few months of his life, of his treatment in captivity and of an attempt by US Special Forces earlier this summer to free Foley and other US hostages. Foley has worked closely with Human Rights Watch researchers in the field, his video work helping them document war crimes.Missouri’s governor has ordered the US National Guard to withdraw from Ferguson, a town that has roiled with protests over 11 days since an unarmed African American teenager was shot and killed by police. St. Louis County police records state that 155 have been arrested for crimes linked to the protests. However, many have been detained and released without being charged. The US federal government should press state and local officials to reform police practices and to improve respect for basic rights.
