Rochelle Junior

As-Suwayda— As regional tensions escalate, signs of sectarian conflicts that began in some countries of the region are re-emerging, no longer confined within geographic borders. These tensions are likely to spread to other countries, amid underlying factors resembling “embers beneath the ashes” that could reignite conflicts at any moment.

Human rights activist Dima Hunaidi notes that what some Middle Eastern countries—particularly Syria—have experienced was not merely a political conflict, but one marked by serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. These included targeting civilians, forced displacement, and practices amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, as defined by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

 

A Dangerous Shift in the Nature of Conflicts

She pointed out that one of the most prominent features of the current phase is the transformation of some conflicts from political disputes into identity-based conflicts rooted in religion or sect. This shift not only threatens political stability but also undermines the human rights protection system, particularly for minorities.

In many cases, these violations have escalated into mass killings and acts of ethnic cleansing. When such crimes are systematic and widespread, they fall under the gravest international crimes—war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide—which are not subject to statutes of limitations and remain prosecutable regardless of time.

 

Barriers to Enforcing International Law

Dima Hunaidi explained that despite the clarity of international legal frameworks, their implementation faces major challenges. International law largely depends on state cooperation, whether in referring cases to international courts or enforcing rulings. Political tensions—especially among major powers—often obstruct the path to justice, delaying or undermining accountability efforts.

Additionally, the use of political tools such as the veto power in international forums can limit the international community’s ability to take effective action, contributing to ongoing impunity.

The impact of these conflicts is not limited to political or legal dimensions; it extends to deep humanitarian suffering, particularly among women and children. Displacement, insecurity, and exposure to violence and abuse leave long-lasting psychological and social consequences.

She added, “Children, who bear no responsibility for these conflicts, find themselves victims of a harsh reality marked by poverty, fear, and instability, while women shoulder compounded burdens as mothers and survivors of difficult humanitarian conditions.”

 

The Responsibility of the International Community

In the face of this reality, the role of the international community emerges across three key areas: protecting civilians under international humanitarian law, supporting independent international investigative mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable, and working politically and diplomatically to prevent conflicts from evolving into cross-border sectarian wars. Experience has shown that sectarian conflicts tend to expand if not contained early.

Alongside states and international institutions, civil society stands out as a crucial actor in confronting sectarian conflicts and promoting justice. Human rights organizations and local initiatives bear multiple responsibilities, including documenting violations and collecting evidence to support international justice processes, raising awareness about the dangers of sectarianism and hate speech, promoting coexistence, providing psychological and humanitarian support to victims—especially women and children—pressuring governments and international institutions to take more serious accountability measures, and building bridges of dialogue to reduce divisions and strengthening  social cohesion.

She emphasized that civil society, due to its close connection to communities, can play both preventive and restorative roles—whether by limiting conflict escalation or contributing to rebuilding trust within affected societies.

The Middle East has long been characterized by its religious and ethnic diversity, a richness that has shaped its cultural and civilizational heritage. However, fueling sectarian conflicts threatens this legacy and risks pushing societies back into division and regression after years of coexistence and relative stability.

 

Justice as a prerequisite for Peace

In conclusion, Dima Hunaidi stresses that protecting human beings must remain above all political or sectarian considerations, and that international law was fundamentally established to safeguard human dignity. Therefore, any party that violates these principles must be held accountable.

Achieving justice is not limited to formal institutions; it requires the combined efforts of both the international community and civil society to ensure accountability and build sustainable peace based on respect for human rights.

Justice is not a political option—it is a legal and moral obligation, and the essential foundation for any genuine and lasting peace in a region exhausted by conflict.