HRC57 - Interactive Dialogue with Commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

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HRC57 - Interactive Dialogue with Commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

20.09.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

57^th session

Interactive Dialogue with Commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

20 September 2024

EU statement

Mr President,

The European Union thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its report and reiterates its support.

The European Union calls for accountability and the end of all violations of international humanitarian law and of all violations and abuses of human rights. Wecontinue to support the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) and its call for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

We condemn indiscriminate attacks on civilians, including minors, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, sexual and gender-based violence, forced recruitment, looting and appropriation of civilian property.

We call for the speedy and full establishment of the Independent Institution for Missing Persons with full cooperation from all parties. We stress its humanitarian nature: the IIMP is not accountability in disguise.

The EU continues to reaffirm the need to achieve conditions for safe, voluntary and dignified returns of Syrian refugees as defined by UNHCR, which are still not in place. We underline the responsibilities of the Syrian regime to this end.

Mr President,

The only path to sustainable peace for Syria is a political solution in line with UNSCR 2254. Syrians need a nationwide ceasefire under UN supervision. Safe, full, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access is imperative, including to places of confinement or detention.

I thank you.