This partnership, initiated by France in January 2018, unites dozens of countries. Syria announced its intention to join it in a joint statement with France, mentioning the attack on rebel-controlled territories that took place during the rule of the former country leader Bashar al-Assad.
France welcomed this step, calling it “a clear Syrian commitment to strengthen accountability and justice and to fight impunity” after more than a decade of civil war. Damascus and Paris also stated that they “honor the victims, express deepest condolences and solidarity to their families, and once again reaffirm a joint commitment to support efforts to uncover the truth, ensure justice, and hold those responsible for these crimes criminally accountable.”
In August 2013, the Syrian army, led by B. al-Assad, was accused of using chemical weapons against rebel-controlled territories at the time. According to US intelligence and human rights organizations, more than 1,400 men, women, and children died as a result. As Syria was in the midst of civil war, B. al-Assad’s government denied responsibility but agreed to hand over the chemical arsenal to avoid US strikes.
B. al-Assad remained in power for more than a decade until 2024, when he was overthrown by Islamist-led rebels, now led by President Ahmed al Sharaa.
Witnesses to the attacks, including medics, risked their lives at the time by posting dozens of videos online and telling journalists about the horrific scenes they saw, including AFP reporters. The footage showed dozens of corpses, many of them children, lying on the ground. Other images captured unconscious children, people foaming at the mouth, and doctors trying to help them breathe. These images caused worldwide disgust and condemnation.
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