UN Human Rights Council 57: Introductory Statement on Syria

Location: GenevaDelivered on: 10 October 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you Mr President,

I have the honour to present draft resolution L.11 on the human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, on behalf of: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Qatar, Türkiye, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom.

Mr President,

When he briefed this Council last month, the Chair of the Commission of Inquiry, Paulo Pinheiro described Syria, as a "quagmire of despair". A fitting, yet tragic, depiction of the depth of human suffering Syrians continue to endure at the hands of Assad and his allies.

Once again, the Commission's report documents violence against civilians; arbitrary arrests; and detentions under the most horrific conditions where torture and sexual and gender-based violence are rife.

Families receive no information or are misinformed about the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones following their detention. There is simply no end to the cruelty that the regime is apparently willing to inflict on those that it is meant to protect.

The draft resolution highlights violations and abuses against a generation of children in Syria, who have known nothing but a world where violence, fear, hunger and loss are a daily reality.

A world where at least 2.4 million children are out of school. Where those as young as 11 have endured sexual and gender-based violence in state-run detention facilities. Where children are the innocent victims of indiscriminate attacks on schools, hospitals and civilian areas.

As we approach International Day of the Girl Child, it is important we note the particular vulnerability of girls in Syria. Throughout this long conflict, girls have been targeted based on their gender, subject to forced marriage, and have taken on increased care-giving responsibilities. It is no wonder that of those out of education, girls are disproportionately affected.

Mr President,

The resolution we present today condemns such violations and abuses and calls for them to stop.

It demands that attacks on schools, healthcare and medical facilities cease. And it implores all parties to maintain unhindered, safe and sustainable humanitarian access to those in need.

Importantly, the resolution acknowledges that Syria's future depends on the ability of generations to come to engage meaningfully in a political solution to the conflict.

I thank all those who have engaged constructively in the negotiation process.

If a vote is called on this resolution, I urge members of the Council to vote in favour of it.

Commissioner Pinheiro made clear that Syrians continue to look to this house for hope, for help. We cannot, should not, will not, abandon them.

Thank you.