PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – Interactive Dialogue with UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 March 2023.

Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French.

Thank you, Mr Vice-President,

This month marks twelve years of devastating conflict and bloodshed for the Syrian people. Last month’s earthquakes adding further to their suffering. The UK offers its deepest condolences for the victims of the earthquakes.

Thank you, Commissioners, for your latest report, which once again provides unambiguous evidence of the appalling human rights violations the Syrian people continue to suffer. Suffering for which the authorities and its allies bear primary responsibility.

Your findings on sexual and gender-based violence are alarming, even more so given they are not indicative of the full scale of the crimes in Syria owing to the stigma and lack of redress faced by victims and survivors.

There is only one way forward: complete respect for human rights and for perpetrators to be held to account.

Commissioners,

Assad has sought to use the devastating earthquakes to portray himself in a favourable light, even while his authorities continue to misappropriate aid and bombard civilian areas. What recommendations do the Commissioners have to ensure vital accountability efforts targeting the authorities and its backers continue?