EU Explanation of Vote – UN General Assembly: After adoption of the resolution on human rights in Syria

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The Candidate Countries North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina*, and the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as San Marino, align themselves with this statement.

The fall of the Assad regime marks a historic moment and opportunity for the Syrian people. Almost a year later, the EU continues to be committed to an inclusive Syrian-led, Syrian-owned transition, free from any external interference, and to address the country’s humanitarian needs and socio-economic recovery.

We welcome the steps taken by the transitional authorities, including the signing of the Constitutional Declaration, the appointment of a transitional government, and the establishment of national commissions for missing persons and transitional justice. We insist on the importance of inclusivity, the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all spheres of political life and society, improvement of the security situation, and a pluralistic civic space as key conditions for the success of this transition and for a robust democratic process. The EU stands ready to support the transitional government in tackling the immense challenges ahead.

At the same time, we are concerned by the recent violence in several parts of Syria, which has claimed many victims, including civilians. These incidents highlight that state institutions must further strengthen efforts to maintain order and protect all Syrians, regardless of ethnic or religious background, including those in vulnerable situations. All perpetrators of violence and human rights violations, regardless of their affiliation, have to be held accountable and brought to justice in line with international law and standards.

In this context, we underline our continued support to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM), and the Independent Institution on Missing Persons (IIMP). We look forward to seeing these UN bodies continue their important work in cooperation with relevant national institutions, and reiterate our call on the Syrian transitional government to formally authorise them to start operating in Syria.

In May, the EU lifted economic sanctions on Syria to support the country’s socio-economic recovery. We however maintain sanctions on Assad and his accomplices, as well as linked to the arms trade. We also continue to call for accountability and respect for human rights, including through sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.

We are pleased to see many of the mentioned aspects reflected in this year’s resolution on the Human Rights situation in Syria.

Thank you.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.