Human Rights Council – 56th Session
Joint Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria
3 July 2024
Mr President,
This statement is on behalf of 53 countries.
We commend the Commission of Inquiry’s continued work in shining light on large-scale, systematic, and arbitrary or unjust detentions and related violations and abuses. This, together with the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism is crucial for ensuring accountability.
We deplore the fact that tens of thousands of Syrians are estimated to have been subjected to arbitrary and incommunicado detention. Torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual and gender-based violence, have been reported on an alarming scale, and continue to this day. We strongly condemn all deaths, torture, and abuse of detainees in detention facilities, particularly in Syrian government facilities. We recall the Commission’s clear assessment that the rights of detained persons have not been respected throughout the conflict.
Tens of thousands of families continue to live with the anguish caused by not knowing the whereabouts of their loved ones. Cooperation by all parties to the conflict with the newly created Independent Institution on Missing Persons is also essential.
Mr President,
The Syrian regime and all parties must cease such practices; release unjustly detained Syrians; clarify the fate of the missing; ensure appropriate access for independent and humanitarian monitoring organisations and hold those responsible to account.
Finally, we reiterate our call for a sustainable and comprehensive political solution for Syria in line with Security Council Resolution 2254.