HRC53 - NB8 statement - Syrian Arab Republic

Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries

5 July 2023

Mr. President,

I speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Iceland.

We express our firm support for the work of the Commission of Inquiry. We are gravely concerned about reported continued violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Syria.

All indiscriminate and direct attacks on civilians must cease immediately, as well as torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

Accountability is crucial for achieving a lasting political solution to the conflict. We welcome the legal proceedings initiated at the International Court of Justice concerning violations of the Convention against Torture.

Mr President,

Humanitarian needs are record high. We note the improved humanitarian access after the earthquakes in February. All parties must provide full, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access. We also urge the UN Security Council to renew the cross-border mechanism before it expires on 10 July.

To end the suffering of the Syrian population there must be a comprehensive ceasefire, and an inclusive political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

Mr. Commissioner, you have reported a gendered impact of the conflict and how longstanding discrimination against women and girls has been dramatically amplified. What measures would you recommend for addressing these issues?