Statement by H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly
2 March 2021
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Dear Colleagues,
This high-level panel on the human rights situation in Syria, marks a dark milestone for humankind. A decade of death, displacement and destruction, has left the Syrian people with little hope.
Hundreds of thousands of people, have been murdered.
Aerial and artillery bombardments, have reduced cities to rubble.
More than half of the pre-conflict population is displaced.
Starvation is used as a weapon of war.
Humanitarian needs are increasing at a rate that existing capacities may not be able to meet.
One in eight children, are underdeveloped, due to malnutrition.
An economic and unemployment crisis, has led to sixty per cent of Syrians, living in extreme poverty, dealing with fuel shortages, and power cuts, in the midst of winter.
Now the plight of the Syrian people, has been compounded, by the parallel threat of COVID-19, where there is a critical need, for vaccines for all.
For many Syrians, social distancing is a luxury, beyond the capacity of IDP camps. Even something as simple as handwashing, is not always possible, due to the disruption in water supplies.
Those who contract the virus, are unlikely to have access to treatment. In previous years, half of all healthcare facilities were attacked, leading to a mass exodus of healthcare workers from Syria.
Ten years on, the conflict in Syria, and its effects, are far from over. We may have become familiar with the images of death and destruction, but we must not become immune. We cannot ignore the suffering of the Syrian people. This is not a natural disaster. There is a human hand, behind this catastrophe.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Dear Colleagues,
The report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, released last month states,
“The horrors of the conflict have left no Syrian family untouched.”
The Syrian people, have endured being held under siege, and suffered the effects, of chemical weapons attacks. Recent reports document the killing, torture, and inhuman treatment of people in Syria, particularly of those deprived of their liberty.
Family members of the detained and disappeared, are consistently denied their right to information regarding the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones.
Yet, impunity reigns for the perpetrators of these grave acts. The report of the Commission of Inquiry concludes that, the violations of international humanitarian law, and international human rights law in Syria, are likely to constitute crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide.
Furthermore, the root causes of the conflict, including human rights violations and abuses, remain unaddressed, and violators have not been held to account.
The Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, the Commission of Inquiry, and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, are working to bring about justice and accountability. Syrian civil society have been integral to these efforts, and continue to demonstrate resolve and courage, after ten years of hardship.
I am keen to hear the views and stories, of our distinguished panelists today.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Dear Colleagues,
Ten years on, the conflict in Syria, and its effects, are far from over. We may have become familiar with the images of death and destruction, but we must not become immune. We cannot ignore the suffering of the Syrian people. This is not a natural disaster. There is a human hand, behind this catastrophe.
If we are to uphold the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and ensure peace and security, and the protection of the human rights of the people of Syria, we must pursue, a permanent ceasefire.
Humanitarian assistance must also reach the estimated 13 million Syrian people, in need of assistance; 12.4 million of whom, are experiencing the worst food security crisis in the history of the conflict.
Of course, underpinning our shared hope for a sustainable solution and recovery, is the political process. A Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political settlement, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2254, is the best hope, to ensure peace and stability in Syria, and the protection of human rights, of the people of Syria which have been long denied. It is the only way, to meet the legitimate aspirations, of all Syrians.
We must all show our strong commitment, to Syria’s independence, unity and territorial integrity, and support the process facilitated by the United Nations, and the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General in Geneva.
I thank you.
