Seeking International Criminal Justice in Syria

Abstract

This article examines the range of international criminal justice institutions that could oversee the investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for the commission of international crimes during the conflict in Syria. These institutions include the domestic courts of Syria, the International Criminal Court, an ad hoc international criminal tribunal established under the Security Council’s Chapter VII powers, an internationalized mechanism comprised of both international and domestic elements, and the domestic courts of third States. The article reflects upon the benefits and difficulties associated with the pursuit of justice by each of these mechanisms and concludes by emphasizing the advantages of a multi-layered institutional response, which combines both domestic and international(ized) institutions.