UK Core Group Statement to Introduce Item 4 Resolution on the Syrian Arab Republic. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.
Mr President,
I have the honour to present draft resolution L.25 on the human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, on behalf of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Qatar, Türkiye, and the UK.
Mr President,
For 14 years this Council has stood with the people of Syria.
As the Assad regime brought despair, death and destruction to its own population this Council did not stay silent.
In 2011, when the former regime unleashed brutal violence against peaceful protesters, this Council condemned it. When the regime began a campaign of executions, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and torture, this Council established a Commission of Inquiry to bear independent witness to these atrocities.
The Commission has rigorously documented the truth about the savagery of the last 14 years: the use of chemical weapons, sieges, and systematic torture and sexual violence intended to break the spirit of the Syrian people.
But the Syrian people would not be broken, would not be defeated.
And so, we present this draft resolution today, 4 months after the end of the Assad regime, and just days after the historic formation of a new Syrian Government, as reflected in revisions to the text.
We present this at a time of hope in Syria. Hope for peace. Hope for healing. Hope for reconciliation. And hope, finally, for Syrian-led, and Syrian-owned, justice and accountability.
As Foreign Minister al-Shaibani said to this Council: justice in Syria is not a matter of political bargaining - it is a fundamental commitment we must uphold to ensure accountability and to combat impunity.
This draft resolution seeks to support this commitment whilst recognising the many challenges facing the new Government.
Indeed, disturbing reports of mass killings of civilians in Syria's coastal regions will have brought grief afresh to those who have suffered long enough, and are a chilling reminder of the deep wounds the years of conflict have inflicted.
We support the Syrian Government in setting out a path for accountability, that does justice to the victims and survivors, and which helps bring a peaceful future for all Syrians. And which brings truth to the families of the many thousands who remain missing. It is crucial that Syrian mechanisms are independent, impartial, prompt, and transparent. International bodies stand ready to support this process.
I thank all those who have engaged constructively on this resolution. In particular, I welcome the Syrian delegation's active participation and vocal support for the Council's efforts.
Let us adopt this resolution today. To renew the Commission of Inquiry, to maintain its independent reporting, to support the Syrian Government, and to stand in solidarity once again with the people of Syria.
They have waited too long for this moment. It is time for justice, for accountability and for human rights.
Thank you.
