US welcomes decision by Canada, Netherlands to take Syria to ICJ over torture

The US on Wednesday welcomed Canada and the Netherlands’ decision to take Syria to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over torture claims.

The two countries accuse the Bashar al-Assad regime of committing ''countless violations of International law'' in their application, asking the court to take emergency measures to prevent any acts of torture.

''For over twelve years, the Assad regime has been responsible for innumerable atrocities, including those involving killings, torture, enforced disappearance, the use of chemical weapons, and other inhumane acts,'' the State Department said in a statement.

''Those abuses are well documented, and the Assad regime must be held accountable for them.''

The US and its international partners will continue to seek a durable political solution for the conflict in Syria that is grounded in justice and accountability, it added.