HRC43 - NB8 statement - Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry

on the Syrian Arab Republic

11 March 2020

Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic countries

Mr. President,

I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway Sweden, and my own country Denmark.

Recent developments in Syria yet again remind us of the regime’s brutality. A serious humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as civilians desperately flee the regime´s offensive in the northwest.

We condemn the unacceptable attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. As the Commission of Inquiry has warned, the deliberate and systematic targeting of hospitals may amount to war crimes.  

Violations of international law are rampant. All parties to the conflict must live up to their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, and respect human rights.

We must insist on accountability for crimes committed. We reaffirm our strong support for the Commission of Inquiry and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism.

Without a negotiated end to the conflict, the suffering we have witnessed since 2011 will continue. We reiterate our full support for Special Envoy Pedersen and a political settlement in line with UN Security Council resolution 2254.

Conditions in areas retaken by the regime illustrate that violations of international law will continue absent a negotiated end to the conflict and genuine reforms. Could the Commission share further updates on violations in regime-controlled areas?