UN Human Rights Council 55: UK Statement on Syria resolution
Statement on the human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. As delivered by the UK's Ambassador to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.
Thank you Mr President,
I have the honour to present draft resolution L.21 on the human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, on behalf of: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Qatar, Türkiye, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom.
Mr President,
Last month the Commission of Inquiry delivered a clear - and tragic - message to this Council. Throughout Syria, violence has now reached a scale not seen for four years. The nature of the violence inflicted on the Syrian people by Assad and his allies is both calculated and careless. Hospitals, schools, markets – all known entities – have been struck. The tragic loss of civilian lives shrugged off by a regime which clearly thinks so little of the Syrian people.
In our resolution we highlight the continued persistent and escalating civilian casualties amidst a myriad of violations of human rights and humanitarian law in Syria.
Enforced disappearances, torture, ill-treatment, and deaths in detention continue. As does sexual and gender-based violence, resulting in stigma and isolation for survivors and impunity for perpetrators.
Thirteen years into the conflict, the humanitarian situation is more precarious than ever. The lifeline of cross-border aid hangs on the continued consent of authorities which cares more for political gain than their people.
Mr President,
The resolution we present today condemns such flagrant abuses and violations, and now, more than ever, stresses the need for a nationwide ceasefire and political solution to the conflict.
It once again calls for all parties to maintain rapid, unhindered, safe, and sustainable humanitarian access to those in such desperate need.
It welcomes progress made by members of this Council in ensuring accountability for crimes committed in Syria, and progress made on the establishment of the Independent Institution for Missing People in Syria, an important step forward for the thousands who have waited far too long to know the fates of their loved ones.
Crucially, it renews the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry for a further year. The Commission’s excellent work provides a clear evidence base to ensure accountability for heinous crimes, and to ensure that the harsh reality of Syria is not forgotten.
I thank all those who have engaged constructively in the informal consultations on this resolution.
If a vote is called on this resolution, I urge our fellow members of the Council to vote in favour of it.
Mr President,
We cannot, and will not, forget about the plight of the Syrian people.