People's Tribunal to Examine Alleged War Crimes in Northern Syria

The initiative comes amid mounting evidence of serious violations of international humanitarian law, including forced displacement of Kurdish communities, destruction of cultural heritage sites, and what the UN has termed "critical" disruptions to essential civilian infrastructure. Of particular concern is the repeated targeting of the Alouk water station, which has left over one million people without reliable access to clean water — an action that organizers argue constitutes a violation of UN Resolution 64/292 establishing water access as a fundamental human right.

The tribunal will examine several grave allegations, including the use of prohibited weapons against civilian targets, systematic destruction of Yazidi religious sites, and cases of targeted political assassination — such as that of Hevrin Khalaf, the Secretary-General of the Future Syria Party. These actions will be evaluated against international legal frameworks, including the Geneva Conventions and customary humanitarian law, even though neither Turkey nor Syria are parties to the Rome Statute.

The proceedings are supported by a broad coalition including the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), and multiple human rights monitoring organizations operating in the affected regions. The initiative represents a significant attempt to document alleged violations through formal legal frameworks, even in the absence of traditional international court jurisdiction.

While People's Tribunals lack formal enforcement power, they have historically served as important vehicles for documenting human rights violations and building international awareness. Previous tribunals have examined cases ranging from the Vietnam War to environmental crimes, often contributing valuable documentation for future accountability efforts.

The tribunal will convene on February 5–6, 2025, marking a crucial moment for international civil society to examine the ongoing crisis in northern Syria. Those interested in supporting or participating in the proceedings can contact the organizers at [email protected].