Human Rights Council 36th session (11-29 September 2017)

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

Statement by Ireland

18 September 2017

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

Mr President,

Ireland wishes to thank the members of the Commission for their report and today’s update.

Ireland condemns in the strongest terms the “blatant violations of basic international humanitarian and human rights law principles” that continue to take place in Syria. We utterly abhor the continued use of sieges against civilians, forced displacement under the guise of truces or evacuation agreements, the diversion and denial of humanitarian aid, and the targeting of hospitals and medical personnel.

The repeated use by government forces of chemical weapons against civilians in opposition-held areas is particularly repugnant. Ireland repeats its condemnation of all such incidents, including the especially barbaric attack using sarin gas on civilians in Khan Sheikhoun in April.

The continued violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law – some of which may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity – underscore again the need for legal accountability for all such crimes. Ireland reiterates its call for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court. Ireland welcomes the appointment of the Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism Ms. Catherine Marchi-Uhel, and would welcome the Commission’s views on the potential for cooperation between the IIIM and the CoI.

Finally, Ireland reiterates its position that there can be no military solution to this conflict and reiterates its support for the UN-led Geneva talks process, based on the 2012 Geneva communiqué and UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which demands an end to violence, release of political prisoners, formation of a transitional governing body with executive powers and a constitutional reform process.

Thank you.