ICJ Orders Syria to Prevent Torture and Preserve Evidence

The ruling, part of a case brought by the Netherlands and Canada, accuses Syria of torturing its own citizens during the country's civil war.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Syria to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The ruling is part of a case brought forward by the Netherlands and Canada, accusing Syria of torturing its own citizens during the country's 12-year civil war.
Syria is also ordered to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of any evidence related to torture, including medical reports and death records.
The Syrian government, which did not attend the court hearings, has not yet responded to the order.
The ICJ's order is legally binding, but the court has no means to enforce it.