Highlights on Our Team's Unique Expertise in Arabic Translation for Syrian Context

Fathi M. A. Ahmed’s Team's translation experience, particularly in content related to the Syrian situation, exemplifies a mastery of both linguistic precision and cultural sensitivity. As a leading expert in Arabic-English-Arabic translation, Mr. Ahmed has played a pivotal role in addressing the complex and multifaceted aspects of the Syrian conflict. His work encompasses a deep understanding of the accountability ecosystem, core international crimes, and restorative justice, making him an indispensable contributor to the global discourse on justice and accountability in Syria.

Translating the Syrian Accountability Ecosystem

Our team has been at the forefront of translating documents that navigate the intricate accountability ecosystem in Syria. This ecosystem involves a diverse array of state and non-state actors, international organizations, and grassroots initiatives aimed at ensuring justice for victims of the Syrian conflict. The team’s translation work includes reports, resolutions, and case files produced by entities such as Mr. Ahmed's work for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria (IIIM-Syria), the United Nations, and various international NGOs. Their expertise ensures that translations accurately reflect the complex legal and procedural terminology used in addressing Syria’s accountability framework.

Syria Control Map as of November 2017

In this context, the team’s ability to tailor Arabic language usage specifically for the Syrian audience is particularly noteworthy. Recognizing the linguistic nuances that vary across Arab-speaking regions, they adapt translations to reflect Syrian dialects and terminology. This ensures that documents are accessible and resonate with the intended audience, including victims, legal practitioners, and advocacy groups within Syria.

Core International Crimes: Precision in Legal Terminology

The team has extensively covered the core international crimes committed during the Syrian conflict: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. These crimes involve complex legal concepts that demand both linguistic accuracy and a deep understanding of international law.

For example, translating documentation related to war crimes committed by state actors and non-state actors such as Daesh (ISIS), Jabhat al-Nusra, and other armed groups requires a careful balance of legal precision and cultural sensitivity. The team has worked on translating evidence and testimonies documenting atrocities such as targeted attacks on civilians, the use of chemical weapons, and sexual and gender-based violence. Their translations have been instrumental in supporting accountability mechanisms at the ICC and the IIIM-Syria.

Moreover, the team’s work includes translating materials that delve into crimes against humanity perpetrated by the Syrian regime and various opposition forces. These include systematic torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. Their attention to detail ensures that the gravity and specificity of these crimes are conveyed without loss of meaning in translation.

Expertise in Restorative Justice and Transitional Mechanisms

Restorative justice is a critical component of addressing the aftermath of the Syrian conflict. The team has translated a range of documents exploring restorative justice mechanisms, including victim-centered approaches, reparations, and community reconciliation initiatives. These translations are vital for fostering understanding and dialogue among Syrian stakeholders and the international community.

One of their significant contributions includes translating reports on initiatives led by civil society organizations in Syria that focus on rebuilding trust and social cohesion in war-torn communities. These translations highlight the importance of restorative justice as a complementary approach to punitive measures, ensuring that victims’ voices are central to the justice process.


Post-Assad Syria: A Critical Opportunity for Justice, Accountability, and Transitional Justice 

The ousting of Bashar Al-Assad in December 2024 presents a pivotal opportunity for justice and accountability in Syria, particularly for addressing the core international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed during the conflict. The post-Assad Syria can enable the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms, including trials, truth commissions, and reparations, to address the extensive human rights violations perpetrated under his regime. Such a transition would also provide a critical moment for integrating Syria into the global accountability ecosystem, fostering cooperation with international bodies like the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria (IIIM-Syria) and regional organizations to ensure perpetrators are held accountable. 

Moreover, it would open pathways for restorative justice, allowing survivors to reclaim agency and contribute to rebuilding a more just and inclusive society. 

The role of translation, particularly in ensuring the accessibility of legal documents and processes to Arabic-speaking stakeholders, will remain vital in facilitating these efforts and bridging gaps between international mechanisms and local communities. 

Focused Team for Syrian Content

Recognizing the unique linguistic and cultural requirements of translating Syrian-related content, the team has assigned individuals, including team leaders, exclusively to handle Syrian materials. This focused approach ensures that translations are not only accurate but also culturally and contextually appropriate. Team members are well-versed in the specific terminologies and nuances associated with the Syrian situation, including references to key state and non-state actors such as the Syrian Arab Army, the Free Syrian Army, Daesh, and various Kurdish factions like the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The team’s specialization extends to understanding the broader geopolitical landscape of the Syrian conflict, enabling them to provide translations that reflect the complex interplay of local, regional, and international actors. This includes translating materials related to the roles of Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the United States in the conflict, as well as the activities of organizations like the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Language Adaptation for Syrian Audiences

One of the defining features of the team’s work is the meticulous adaptation of language to suit Syrian audiences. This involves using terminology and phrasing that align with Syrian Arabic, ensuring that translations are comprehensible and relatable to the target audience. For example, when translating materials for victims and witnesses, the team avoids overly formal or technical language that might alienate readers. Instead, they employ clear and empathetic language that respects the sensitivities of those affected by the conflict.

Similarly, when translating legal and technical documents, the team ensures that the Arabic terminology adheres to international legal standards while remaining accessible to Syrian legal practitioners and stakeholders. This balance of precision and accessibility is a hallmark of the team’s translation expertise.

Case Studies: Key Translation Projects

The team’s contributions include several high-profile translation projects related to the Syrian situation. For instance, they played a pivotal role in translating case files for the prosecution of Daesh fighters at the ICC. These files included witness testimonies, forensic evidence, and legal arguments that required meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of legal terminology.

Another notable project involved translating reports on the use of chemical weapons in Syria, including documentation produced by the OPCW and the United Nations. These translations were critical for international advocacy efforts and contributed to holding perpetrators accountable for violations of international humanitarian law.

Additionally, the team has translated materials related to the documentation of atrocities by Syrian civil society organizations. These translations have supported efforts to build comprehensive archives of evidence for future accountability mechanisms, including transitional justice initiatives and hybrid courts.

Bridging the Gap: Supporting Justice and Accountability

Through their work, the team has significantly contributed to bridging the linguistic and cultural gaps that often hinder justice and accountability efforts in the Syrian context. Their translations enable international organizations, legal practitioners, and civil society actors to communicate effectively and collaborate on shared goals. By ensuring that Syrian voices are heard and understood on the global stage, the team’s work supports the broader accountability ecosystem and contributes to the pursuit of justice for Syria’s victims.

The team’s specialized experience in translating content related to the Syrian situation is a testament to their expertise in navigating the complexities of language, law, and culture. Their work on core international crimes, restorative justice, and the accountability ecosystem reflects a deep commitment to justice and accountability. With a dedicated team focused exclusively on Syrian materials and a tailored approach to language adaptation, they ensure that translations meet the highest standards of accuracy, relevance, and cultural sensitivity. Their contributions continue to play a vital role in advancing justice and accountability efforts for Syria.

Related Projects

The Team has undertaken several landmark projects that showcase their expertise in legal and humanitarian translation. They completed the Arabic translation of the Lexsitus Commentary on the Law of the International Criminal Court (CLICC), a 2,300-page provision-by-provision analysis of the Rome Statute and ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence, making it accessible to Arabic-speaking legal professionals. Mr. Ahmed's work on Translational and Terminological Sensitizing of Muslim Religious Leaders of Al-Azhar in the Combat Against Hate Speech, featured in the anthology Religion, Hateful Expression, and Violence, emphasizes the role of precise language in countering extremist narratives from groups like Daesh and promoting peacebuilding. Mr. Ahmed also translated Crimes Against Humanity: Historical and Contemporary Application by Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni, ensuring the accurate conveyance of complex international law concepts in Arabic. Additionally, he translated the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) final report into Arabic, documenting human rights violations during Bahrain's 2011 unrest and contributing to the region’s accountability and justice ecosystem.

Arabic Lexsitus Team announced the successful completion of the Arabic translation of the Lexsitus Commentary on the Law of the International Criminal Court (CLICC). This comprehensive work, spanning approximately 2,300 pages, is now available on the Lexitus platform, which provides extensive resources on international criminal law in multiple languages, including Arabic. The Arabic version of CLICC will soon be available in two additional formats: an e-book and a printed edition to be distributed via Amazon at cost price. CLICC offers a detailed, provision-by-provision analysis of the Rome Statute and the Rules of Procedure and Evidence of the International Criminal Court  (ICC).
In a contribution to the newly released anthology Religion, Hateful Expression, and Violence, Fathi M. A. Ahmed provided key insights on how religious leaders can more effectively combat hate speech.
Fathi M. A. Ahmed, prominent international law  translator, has successfully completed the Arabic translation of Crimes Against Humanity: Historical and Contemporary Application, a seminal work by the late Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni, widely regarded as a leading authority in international criminal law.
Fathi M. A. Ahmed Gains First-Hand Experience as Bassiouni-Chaired Commission Translator Amid Unrest in Bahrain

 These projects demonstrate the team’s commitment to delivering nuanced, high-quality translations that advance accessibility, accountability, and restorative justice in international and regional contexts. 

Meet Our Team 

Contact Out Team

+41 77 222 08 90 +41 77 222 08 90 📩 info@fathiahmed.com