At the same time as receiving a mass influx of refugees fleeing war, Germany is investigating war crimes in Syria.
The work has been driven by the number of witnesses and survivors entering Germany as well as the number of suspects, some of whom appear to be German nationals.
"Ten investigations linked to Syria or Iraq are currently being examined by the federal prosecutor, in addition to more than 30 cases against former jihadists over their membership in a terrorist group," said a spokesman for the prosecutor's office.
Approximately 40% of migrants arriving in Germany originated in Syria or Iraq. As part of the application process, arrivals are obliged to complete a form which asks if they have witnessed war crimes or could name those responsible or involved.
Prosecutors are being kept informed of the information gained which they believe may eventually lead to a broader picture of war crimes and possible prosecutions of those culpable.
Similar efforts are being carried out in the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Finland.
More than 20 years ago, Germany was also receiving waves of refugees from the war in Yugoslavia. It set up special police unit to investigate war crimes in that bitter conflict and other European countries followed suit. The effort resulted in four trials, including a conviction for genocide.
German investigators also went to the Democratic Republic of Congo to collect evidence on massacres. This resulted in the convictions of two Rwandan rebel leaders for mastermind the atrocities from their homes in Germany.
But gathering evidence is always a long, slow process and, with little sign of the turmoil abating, investigators are unable to travel to Syria and will have for the present to rely on witness statements.
