HRC52: Oral statement on the situation of human rights in Syria

Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Claire Denman

Thank you, Mr President,

CSW thanks the Commission of Inquiry for their update and echoes their concerns regarding the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in the country.

The devastating earthquakes which struck the northwest of the country, as well as parts of neighbouring Turkey, have worsened the humanitarian crisis, especially in the northwest region which endured years of heavy bombardment by the Syrian government and its Russian backer.

CSW has received reports of the Syrian and Turkish governments blocking and delaying search and rescue teams and humanitarian aid from reaching northwest Syria.

We extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by the earthquakes and call on both governments to end this inhumane obstruction, ensuring that humanitarian aid can reach affected areas swiftly.

While we note that the suspension of sanctions is designed to assist with humanitarian efforts, we urge the international community to ensure that Syria’s president is not given free reign to commit further violence and violations against his citizens, and ultimately, that he is held to account for his crimes.

We reiterate our call on the Syrian government to release all political prisoners and institute a nationwide ceasefire that prioritises the protection of civilians.

We also continue to urge all parties to the conflict to cooperate with the COI and other UN mechanisms to secure a political solution based on an inclusive Syrian identity, rule of law, human rights and accountability.

Finally, we urge the Turkish government to crack down on the rising racism and racist attacks against Syrian refugees and to facilitate international aid into the area it controls in northwest Syria.

Thank you.