56th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Item 4 - Interactive Dialogue on oral update of the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic.
Statement delivered by H.E Ambassador Heidi Schroderus-Fox on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.
3 July 2024
Mr. President,
I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We strongly support the essential work of the Commission of Inquiry.
The conflict in Syria continues to cause immense suffering to civilians. Hundreds of thousands have lost their lives or disappeared. Discrimination against women and girls has intensified.
The humanitarian situation deteriorates, with a record high number of people in need. Safe, full, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access is imperative.
We are alarmed by the persistence of torture, ill-treatment and deaths of detainees despite the ICJ provisional measures of 16 November 2023. As reported by the Commission, nearly 30 000 children remain unlawfully detained in camps or other facilities. We demand an end to violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by all parties, particularly by the regime and its allies.
We welcome the commencement of work of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic and continue to support the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism.
Distinguished Commissioners,
Persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected by the conflict. Which measures do you recommend to address this issue?
Thank you.