– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly
2 March 2021
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
I thank the distinguished panelists for their participation in this high-level panel on the situation of human rights in Syria.
This situation in Syria requires the full attention of the United Nations – including the human rights bodies, accountability mechanisms, the Security Council, and here in the General Assembly.
The violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of human rights, including those that may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes have, over the course of ten years, torn apart the fabric of society in Syria.
I trust that in line with existing resolutions, the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations, all Member States will support:
- Improvement of the human rights situation in Syria;
- Improved humanitarian access;
- The call for an immediate and nationwide ceasefire;
- And support for a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned, political settlement in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2254 and the UN’s efforts in this regard.
Excellencies,
The Syrian people need the United Nations.
We must answer their call for help.
I thank you.
