STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 52nd Session.
Item 4 - Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic
Statement delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith,
Permanent Representative of Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
Check against delivery
21 March 2023
Thank you, Mr. President,
I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We express our firm support for the work of the Commission of Inquiry. We note with serious concern the Commission’s conclusion that there have been “pervasive violations of human rights and humanitarian law across the country.
We reiterate the need to cease all indiscriminate and direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects as well as to end torture and other cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment,
President, after 12 years of armed conflict, the Syrian people, were recently hit by the most devastating earthquake in the area for decades. An already dire humanitarian situation has now become even worse.
It is therefore important that all parties to the conflict provide full, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access. We expect to see a renewal of the cross-border mechanism when it expires on 10 July.
The Syrian people have suffered enough. There must be a comprehensive ceasefire, and there must be a political process in line with UNSCR 2254.
Mr Commissioner: The many missing people and people under arbitrary detention in Syria is a major concern for the Syrian people. What more can we do – as you see it – to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing people?
Thank you.