Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research International Relations Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 41-43)

ABSTRACT
The Syrian revolution began in the first quarter of 2011, when protesters started to take
the streets in order to demand their rights and dignity, as well as to put an end to the
abuses of power and political repression that had prevailed in their society for more than
three decades, unfortunately, the regime security forces, due to their experience,
responded with the iron fist, threats and arrests. In the following months and following
years, hundreds of thousands continued to demonstrate in all of Syria's cities, towns and
villages. And the violence of confrontations escalated, and the dangers threatening
civilians were still increasing day by day. Then after few months of the beginning of the
uprising, Syria found itself in the midst of a violent and increasingly complex revolution.
The death toll had closed to 100,000, during the first two years of the chaos, with dozens
of thousands more wounded, missing and held in detention, where torture and abuse
became a routine. This violence has driven millions of Syrians from their homes and
communities, with an estimated 1.3 million Syrians forced to seek refuge in neighboring
countries, and millions of others displaced inside Syria. Against this background, this
research work will utilize a qualitative research approach to address transitional justice
in the case of Syria: its significance, background, process and effects. It utilizes an
interview as a primary data collection method and will also use a literature review to
collect secondary data. Additionally, uses neorealism as its main theoretical framework.
Keywords:Geneva Convention, Human Rights, Neorealism, Post-War Justice, Syrian
Civil War, Syrian Revolution, Transitional Justice.