As part of the 51st Human Rights Council Session at the United Nations in Geneva, the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic took place on September 22, 2022.
The session started with the presentation of the “Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic.” The Report of fifty pages was summarised, stating that now at the eleventh year of conflict, there are increased threats of further military operations and terrorist activity. Reiterating that attacks on civilian homes, markets, mosques, and facilities remain rampant while perpetrators face immunity, it was underlined that the international community must increase efforts to address the situation adequately. The deterioration in humanitarian conditions and the security situation in camps were underscored with particular emphasis on torture, sexual violence, and ill-treatment in detention facilities. Enforced disappearances and threats on fundamental freedoms such as the right to freedom of association and expression, with those who express opposite views being subjected to intimidation, threats, or arrest, were underlined. It was also reported that there is widespread looting of private property, including seizing personal property by the Syrian Arab Army.
The recommendations made by the report, respecting international humanitarian law, that indiscriminate and direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects, especially those indispensable for the civilian population’s survival, be ceased, that independent investigations into incidents entailing civilian casualties be undertaken, and perpetrators be held accountable. Non-repetition be ensured, for those arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances cease, and perpetrators of such offenses be held accountable. That rapid access to humanitarian relief be ensured, among others, were repeated.
Such as torture, other cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment including sexual and gender-based violence in places of imprisonment.
When the floor was given to States; The European Union, stating that Syria is not a safe place to return to, condemned the systematic and widespread violation of humanitarian law in the region, adding that safe access to humanitarian aid must be ensured, including in places of detention.
Lichtenstein, stating their concerns for the ongoing humanitarian and economic crisis, called the UN Security Council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court. Kuwait emphasized concerns for missing persons in the armed conflict in Syria and asked them to be reunited with their families according to international human rights law standards; underscoring the growing number of displaced persons and refugees and reiterating that the only solution is a political one.
Israel stated that it is vital not to forget what is happening in Syria, where the government is “trying to torture their people into submission” with the use of “electric shocks, burning body parts, detention for several months with no food or medical care”.
Cyprus attracted attention to rising donor fatigue, stating that “Syria cannot afford another surge of fighting”, “but that is where it’s going” with foreign occupation, radicalisation, migration and social and democratic plans by various countries.
Egypt added that to deal with the Syrian crisis it is necessary to take a comprehensive approach including terrorist groups and foreign interventions which are threatening a new operation, which alleviates the suffering of civilians, calling all bodies to stop violations to ensure the safe return of refugees.
Germany highlighted disruptions of the freedom of movement, freedom of expression and assembly and the prevalence of torture and sexual and gender based violence, death and suffering and arbitrariness; and endorsed the Commission of Inquiries’ recommendation to create a mechanism for missing persons in Syria, including the forcefully disappeared. Ireland, condemning the abuses documented in the report, called for the UNSC to refer the case to the ICC.
Australia and Iraq asked what the international community can do for accountability mechanisms, and for bringing perpetrators to justice.
Luxembourg, stating that more than 80 percent of those in the country require humanitarian aid, asked to make sure that it is guaranteed beyond the month of January, also calling for the UNSC to refer the case to the ICC to end impunity.
Cuba called for a “peaceful and negotiated solution without intervention on our side”.
Venezuela stated that the mandate should not be renewed, that “this Council is used in favor of interventionist hegemonic countries” and “the Commission distorts the reality in Syria”. They asked for full respect of Syria’s territorial integrity.
Jordan, starting by mentioning the one million Syrian refugees currently residing in their territory, reminded that it is important to share the burden, calling attention to the importance of restoring Syria’s territorial integrity, adding “all foreign troops should leave”. Russia reminded that more than 14 million Syrians need humanitarian assistance, opined that the UN is ignoring the appeals of Damascus, and added that unilateral sanctions against Syria only hurt the most vulnerable.
Despite States having taken opposite stances on the issue, one common conclusion was that Syria is having an economic and humanitarian crisis of greater consequences than ever, and tensions are rising when Syria is in no position to afford another surge of fighting.
