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Q&A: Syria’s New Property Law

What is Law No. 10 of 2018? How do property owners make a claim? What barriers would keep owners from being able to claim their property? Is Law No. 10 of 2018 discriminatory? Is this the first time the government has…
A small scale model built by 14-year-old Syrian Mohamed Qutaish, representing the way he imagines the reconstruction of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria, August 31, 2015. © 2015 Reuters
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Q & A: Safe Zones and the Armed Conflict in Syria

Recent statements by leaders and governments in the United States, Turkey, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan indicate an interest in creating so-called safe zones in Syria. While no detailed plans for creating and managing such…
An internally displaced Syrian woman walks in the Bab Al-Salam refugee camp, near the Syrian-Turkish border, northern Aleppo province, Syria, December 26, 2016.
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Q&A: First Cracks to Impunity in Syria, Iraq

Refugee Crisis and Universal Jurisdiction Cases in Europe

What’s the basis for European courts to try atrocities committed in Syria and Iraq? What is universal jurisdiction? Does universal jurisdiction mean that every country can investigate any grave international crime committed in Syria and Iraq? What…
Syrian Man Carries Children After Barrel Bomb Attack
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Why do People Risk Their Lives to Cross the Mediterranean?

Questions and Answers

The European Union (EU) is facing unprecedented numbers of refugees and migrants arriving by boat. In 2014, 220,000 people arrived, almost double the combined total of 121,000 from 2011 through 2013. During just the first six…
Un buque de la Armada irlandesa Le Eithne, participa en una operación de rescate como parte del operativo Frontex Tritón, el 6 de junio de 2015
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Q&A: Syria and the International Criminal Court

1. Could the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Syria? 2. Should the Security Council refer the situation in Syria to the ICC? 3. What impact could an ICC referral have? 4. Would pursuing…
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Q & A on Laws of War Issues in Syria

The following Questions and Answers (Q & A) address aspects of international humanitarian law (the laws of war) governing the armed conflict between the government of Syria and the Free Syrian Army and other opposition armed groups. The purpose is to…
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Syria’s Human Rights Crisis: Myths and Realities

Myth: Syria has stopped all military and policing operations. Reality: At least 49 people have died in operations by Syrian forces since August 17, 2011. On August 17, President Bashar al-Assad claimed in a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-…
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“Diplomatic Assurances” against Torture

Questions and Answers

  What are "diplomatic assurances" against torture? Why is the use of diplomatic assurances growing? Why do governments seek these assurances? Do diplomatic assurances work? Have people who were sent back with diplomatic assurances actually been…