UN Human Rights Council 61st Session
Item 4 - Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic.
Nordic-Baltic Statement by H.E. Ambassador Darius Staniulis
Geneva, 13 March 2026
Mr. President,
I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic states.
After decades of atrocities, devastating conflict and repression, Syria stands at a pivotal moment. The decisions made today will shape Syria’s human rights landscape and overall stability for generations. Sustainable peace and reconciliation depend fundamentally on transitional justice and the protection of human rights, particularly for women and children.
We welcome the recent progress made by the interim government in creating an inclusive and democratic Syria and we acknowledge the ambition to continue doing so. We remain however concerned by reports of grave human rights violations perpetrated by various actors throughout 2025 and in early 2026.
We call on all actors to avoid any further violence, protect civilians, and uphold international humanitarian and human rights law. Furthermore, we encourage the authorities to support the mandate renewal of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria.
We urge the Syrian authorities to fully cooperate with human rights monitoring mechanisms and grant them unhindered access to investigate all alleged violations.
Thank you.