Amsterdam [Netherlands], June 13: Canada and the Netherlands jointly instituted proceedings against Syria before the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Monday over Syria's treatment of its own citizens.
The two countries simultaneously called for measures to force Syria to halt the use of torture.
"Syria has committed countless violations of international law, beginning at least in 2011, with its violent repression of civilian demonstrations, and continuing as the situation in Syria devolved into a protracted armed conflict," the two countries contend in their legal complaint.
They cite the use of chemical weapons to punish civilian populations in particular, alongside the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The complaint also notes enforced disappearances, the use of sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children. The complaint is based on the UN convention on torture.
Canada and the Netherlands also requested the ICJ to indicate provisional measures against Syria to protect its citizens.
The measures will be dealt with in an accelerated procedure.
The court's rulings are binding.
"Syria's citizens have been tortured, murdered, abducted and attacked with poison gas or have lost everything when they fled to save their lives," said Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra.
These crimes could not go unpunished, he added.
Source: Qatar Tribune