Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Syria

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Claire Denman

Thank you, Madame President,

CSW shares the Commission of Inquiry’s concerns regarding attacks by extremist armed groups, as well as the imposition of severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including the right to freedom religion or belief.

In the Turkish-held city of Afrin and neighbouring areas, extremist groups loyal to Turkey have been responsible for the arrests of Christian and Yazidi civilians, the destruction of religious sites, and the imposition of strict Islamic laws on religious minorities.

We call on Turkey to ensure that the sanctity of religious and cultural locations and objects is respected.

We concur with the COI’s overarching recommendation for the institution of an immediate and permanent ceasefire and urge Syria, Turkey, Russia and all parties to the conflict to protect fundamental freedoms and engage in meaningful talks to achieve a sustainable solution.

In addition, the international community must work collaboratively to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and food insecurity in Syria, particularly through securing cross-border access to allow international organisations to deliver aid to civilians and to establish contingency plans if the Bab-al-Hawa crossing is not re-authorised.

Finally, CSW regrets the Syrian Ministry of Justice’s rejection of the Yazidi community’s request for legal recognition, denying them permission to establish courts mandated to resolve civil and personal matters in accordance with their faith.

The ruling constitutes a grave violation of the principles of non-discrimination and equality before the law enshrined in Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

We urge the Syrian government to allow Yazidis equal rights and access to a judiciary system compatible with their religious belief with regard to civil and personal matters.

Thank you.