Human Rights Council 37th Session (26 February – 23 March 2018)

Ireland – National Statement 

Mr President

Ireland shares the horror expressed at the appalling human rights situation in Eastern Ghouta, which is barbaric even by the standards of the Syria conflict.

The indiscriminate bombing and shelling of this area in defiance of UN Security Council Resolution 2401, is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The attacks on hospitals and on medical supplies and personnel are an outrage against human decency.

The denial of humanitarian access to Eastern Ghouta, and the failure to implement even the promised inadequate humanitarian pauses, are creating a catastrophe, and show a callous disregard for human life.

Ireland calls in the strongest terms for a sustained meaningful ceasefire, as set out in UN Security Council Resolution 2401, for full humanitarian access, and for the protection of over four hundred thousand civilians who live with their families in constant peril and trauma.

As stated by my Minister earlier this week during the High-Level Segment, Ireland supports the role played by the Commission of Inquiry and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism.

Those responsible for these violations of human rights, and all such violations during the years of this brutal conflict, must be held to account.

We support the draft resolution, and we call on all members of the Council to vote in favour.​

Thank you