A UN Official: Reform Steps in Syria, but Democracy Remains Absent

Agnes Callamard, the Secretary-General of Amnesty International, said that the new authorities in Syria have taken steps that demonstrate a commitment to reform and transitional justice, but she stressed at the same time that democracy “remains absent.”

Callamard explained in an interview with the American Associated Press that the year following the fall of the former Syrian regime witnessed the introduction of legal reform plans before parliament and the formation of committees specialized in transitional justice.

She added that Damascus’ reception of delegations from international human rights organizations and independent experts is “one of the signs of change,” noting that these indicators are positive but “still limited and not deep enough.”

Callamard, who visited Damascus last week, said that the current phase requires more comprehensive steps to ensure the consolidation of reforms and the building of effective democratic institutions.