The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivers it verdict on a case brought by Canada and the Netherlands against Syria.

They claim Syria has committed countless violations of international law, beginning at least in 2011, with its violent repression of civilian demonstrations, and continuing as the situation in Syria devolved into a protracted armed conflict.

They say Syrian violations include the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The case will also include allegations of chemical weapons, which Syria has denied.

This is the first time an international court has looked at alleged abuses committed in Syria during 12 years of conflict.

On September 18, 2020, the Netherlands formally notified Syria that it was requesting negotiations because of Syria’s failure to fulfill its international legal obligations under the Convention Against Torture.

The claimant countries say their representatives met with reps from Syria twice in 2022.

Although it is the U.N.’s highest court, it does not have the power to enforce its rulings.

The ICJ doesn’t prosecute individuals – its mandate is to settle legal disputes between nations.

Aljazeera.