Human Rights Council – 37th session (February/March 2018)

Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

Statement by Ireland

13 March, 2017

Ireland aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and would like to add the following.

Mr Vice - President,

Ireland wishes to thank the members of the Commission for their report.

The report again highlights the devastating impact this conflict has had, and continues to have, on innocent civilians in Syria. Ireland condemns in the strongest terms the continued and deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including chemical attacks, and the utterly reprehensible use of siege warfare and denial of humanitarian aid. Ireland calls for the urgent implementation of the ceasefire called for by UN Security Council resolution 2401 and immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to besieged populations in Syria.

Ireland also condemns the continued practice of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearance, torture and sexual and gender-based violence against detainees. These continued violations of the human rights of the Syrian people underline the need for accountability for all parties to such crimes. We repeat our call for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court, and we take this opportunity to reiterate our support for the excellent work of the Commission of Inquiry and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism.

Ultimately, a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led, negotiated resolution of the conflict is needed to guarantee a lasting end to the suffering of the Syrian people. Ireland reiterates its support for the UN-led Geneva talks process, based on the 2012 Geneva communiqué and UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

Thank you.