HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL DEBATES SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC IN SPECIAL SESSION

The Human Rights Council this afternoon began a Special Session concerning the “situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic”. The session was convened after the Council received a request from the delegations of the European Union and Poland, backed by 24 other Member States and signed by 32 Observer States. This is the second Special Session the Council has convened on the situation in the Syria in the last four months; the last such meeting was held on 29 April 2011.

In opening remarks, Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that on 29 April 2011, the Human Rights Council requested that a fact-finding mission be dispatched to Syria to investigate all alleged violations of human rights law. The report was released on 18 August and, on the same day Ms. Pillay briefed the members of the Security Council and urged them to consider referring the current situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. The fact-finding mission found a pattern of widespread and systematic human rights violations by Syrian security and military forces, including murder, enforced disappearances, torture, deprivation of liberty, and persecution. Although the report covered the period of 15 March to 15 July 2011, there were indications that a pattern of violations continues until today. The scale and nature of these acts may amount to crimes against humanity.

Ms. Pillay went on to say that the government of Syria did not give access to the mission. Nonetheless, the mission gathered credible, corroborated, and consistent accounts of violations from victims and witnesses, including military defectors, and Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries. While demonstrations were largely peaceful, the military and security forces had resorted to an apparent shoot-to-kill policy. Snipers on rooftops had targeted protestors, bystanders who were trying to help the wounded and ambulances. The mission also documented incidents of summary execution outside the context of the demonstrations, and during house-to-house searches and in hospitals. Victims and witnesses reported widespread attempts to cover up killings by the security forces. The authorities imposed de-facto blockades on several cities and deprived inhabitants of basic goods and services. Restrictions imposed on freedom of movement prevented injured persons from receiving medical treatment. Security forces had pursued a policy of arbitrary arrest and detention of individuals suspected of having taken part in demonstrations.

The Council was also addressed in a videotaped message on behalf of all Special Procedures by Juan Mendes, United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture. Mr. Mendes said that he had been alerted to some of the worst violations a State could commit against its people. He denounced the scale and gravity of the crackdown against largely peaceful demonstrations by the people of Syria. The figures spoke for themselves; since mid-March 2011 there had been 2,000 reported deaths in Syria, with numerous injuries from shelling, live ammunition, heavy machine guns, sniping and ill-treatment, including thousands of arbitrary detentions of protesters, incommunicado detention, and possibly a large number of enforced disappearances. Mr. Mendes said he feared the threshold of systematic violence had been reached. Entire cities and towns had reportedly been besieged, depriving the population of food and water supplies and creating a humanitarian crisis. It has not been easy to gather precise information about the extent of the atrocities unfolding on the ground, as journalists, human rights defenders and others had been prevented from monitoring the situation and investigating violations.

The delegation of Syria took the floor as a concerned country and said the report of the fact-finding mission included statements which misconstrued the truth, including the mentioning of crimes of war and against humanity, reflecting the view of States hostile to Syria. This constituted an attempt to terrorize the country and wage war against it. Syria continued to be subjected to an unprecedented campaign directed at influencing its domestic politics, cause sectarian strife and portray the massacres perpetrated by armed gangs as a movement of peaceful demonstrations calling for reform and democracy. This was far from the truth. How was it possible to explain that more than 600 members of the armed forces had died; how could the destruction of government institutions and of private property be explained? The Government had lifted the emergency law, abolished the Supreme State Security Court, issued amnesty orders and set up a committee for national dialogue which held consultations with politicians, intellectuals, activists and representatives of civil society, the release of prisoners who had not committed crimes punishable by law, and decrees on general elections, local administration and the media.

Representatives of Member States then took the floor to make comments. Many condemned the use of violence against peaceful demonstrators and reminded all States that violent repression of protests was contrary to international human rights obligations. States also called on Syria to release political prisoners and human rights defenders, including those arrested as part of the peaceful protests. States also called on Syrian authorities to investigate alleged human rights violations and to bring those responsible to justice through fair, impartial, transparent, and independent processes. Speakers urged the Syrian government to cooperate with the United Nations mechanisms by allowing country visits by the Office of the High Commissioner and relevant Special Procedures mandate holders. Several speakers noted that the conduct of the Syrian authorities could constitute crimes against humanity and they reminded Syria of its international human rights obligations. Several delegations suggested the Human Rights Council should refer the matter to the Security Council so that it could then refer the matter to the International Criminal Court.

There were other speakers, however, who said that the situation in Syria was being manipulated by some aspects of the media and foreign press and human rights were not the true motivation for this Special Session. Instead the true objectives of some countries, including Israel and the United States, were to bring about regime change in Syria and to change the map of the region. Several speakers said the alleged protection of human lives should not be used as a pretext for foreign intervention. The process that led to what was now occurring in Libya began in this very same Human Rights Council. If the Human Rights Council was so concerned about human rights, why did they not call a meeting to investigate the actions of NATO in Afghanistan, the actions of Israel or the abductions of persons who had been arrested without due course and were now being tortured in the illegal detention centre of Guantanamo? Speakers said they opposed outside parties meddling into a State’s internal affairs and rejected any violations of state sovereignty.

Speaking during this morning’s debate were representatives from the following Member States: Poland on behalf of the European Union, Italy, Thailand, Switzerland, Indonesia, China, Spain, Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, Norway, the United States, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the Russian Federation, Malaysia, Nigeria, Austria, Qatar, the Czech Republic, Guatemala, Botswana, Belgium, Cuba, Mexico, Romania, the Maldives and India.

The following Observer States also took the floor: France, Germany, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, Bulgaria, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Slovenia, Iran, Venezuela, Japan, Sweden, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Denmark, Paraguay, Iraq, Slovakia and Croatia.

Representatives from the following non-governmental organization organizations also took the floor: United Towns Agency for North South Cooperation, CIVICUS, the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, the International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, the Press Emblem Campaign, United Nations Watch, the International Commission of Jurists, Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders, Amman Centre for Human Rights Studies, Amnesty International, the Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l’homme, the Arab Commission for Human Rights and the Indian Movement Tupac Amaru.


The Council will meet again tomorrow morning, Tuesday, 23 August, at 10 a.m. to continue the Special Session and consider the proposed draft resolution.


Opening Statements

NAVI PILLAY, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, commended the initiative of the Council in holding a second special session on the situation of human rights in Syria, and she said that the gravity of the ongoing violations and the brutal attacks against peaceful protesters in Syria demanded continued attention. On 29 April 2011, the Human Rights Council requested that a fact-finding mission be dispatched to Syria to investigate all alleged violations of human rights law. The report was released on 18 August and, on the same day Ms. Pillay briefed the members of the Security Council and urged them to consider referring the current situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. The fact-finding mission found a pattern of widespread and systematic human rights violations by Syrian security and military forces, including murder, enforced disappearances, torture, deprivation of liberty, and persecution. Although the report covered the period of 15 March to 15 July 2011, there were indications that a pattern of violations continues until today. The scale and nature of these acts may amount to crimes against humanity. The government of Syria did not give access to the mission. Nonetheless, the mission gathered credible, corroborated, and consistent accounts of violations from victims and witnesses, including military defectors, and Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries. While demonstrations were largely peaceful, the military and security forces had resorted to an apparent shoot-to-kill policy. Snipers on rooftops had targeted protestors, bystanders who were trying to help the wounded and ambulances. The mission also documented incidents of summary execution outside the context of the demonstrations, and during house-to-house searches and in hospitals. Victims and witnesses reported widespread attempts to cover up killings by the security forces. The authorities imposed de-facto blockades on several cities and deprived inhabitants of basic goods and services. Restrictions imposed on freedom of movement prevented injured persons from receiving medical treatment. Security forces had pursued a policy of arbitrary arrest and detention of individuals suspected of having taken part in demonstrations.

In its communications to the Office of the High Commissioner, the Syrian Government denied allegations of wrongful acts. While it acknowledged that about 1,900 people had been killed since mid-March, it claimed that the majority of the victims had been military and security forces killed by armed gangs. The Government also informed the High Commissioner of reforms introduced, such as lifting emergency legislation, abolishing the supreme State Security Court and granting amnesty to thousands of detainees, legislation to regulate peaceful assembly and establishing political parties, and new electoral and information laws. The bloodshed in Hama, Latakia and other Syrian cities just in the past three weeks seriously undermined the credibility of the reform initiatives. Ms. Pillay called on the Syrian Government to immediately and fully halt its crackdown on peaceful protests and to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all detained on the basis of their participation in peaceful demonstrations. The Government should also allow for the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Ms. Pillay welcomed the first humanitarian assessment mission to Syria on 20 August and called on the Government to allow open access for international humanitarian workers and impartial investigation of alleged human rights violations. As of today, over two-thousand people had been killed since mass protests began in mid-March, and the military and security forces continued to employ excessive force, including heavy artillery, to quell peaceful demonstrations and regain control over the residents of various cities, particularly in Hama, Homs, Latakia and Deir al-Zour. It was important to hold perpetrators of crimes against humanity accountable. The Office of the High Commissioner had found that such crimes may have been committed in Syria. The people of Syria must be supported in their struggle for fundamental rights and freedoms and the Human Rights Council could play a vital role in that respect.

JUAN MENDES, United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture, on behalf of all UN Special Procedures mandate holders, delivered a statement via live video link. Mr. Mendes said he had been alerted to some of the worst violations a State could commit against its people. He denounced the scale and gravity of the crackdown against largely peaceful demonstrations by the people of Syria. The figures spoke for themselves; since mid-March 2011 there had been 2,000 reported deaths in Syria, with numerous injuries from shelling, live ammunition, heavy machine guns, sniping and ill-treatment, including thousands of arbitrary detentions of protesters, incommunicado detention, and possibly a large number of enforced disappearances. Mr. Mendes said he feared the threshold of systematic violence had been reached. Entire cities and towns had reportedly been besieged, depriving the population of food and water supplies and creating a humanitarian crisis. It has not been easy to gather precise information about the extent of the atrocities unfolding on the ground, as journalists, human rights defenders and others had been prevented from monitoring the situation and investigating violations. Many had been targeted, banned from accessing the country, detained, ill-treated and even reported to be missing. Means of communication had been disrupted.

While promising reforms and enacting new legislation, the Government had unfortunately continuously stepped up the crackdown against protesters. The issuing of a number of legislative decrees in April, notably on the termination of the state of emergency, granting Syrian nationality to Kurds, or restricting the detention of people suspected of having committed criminal offences to 24 hours were welcome steps forward. However, they expected much more from the Syrian authorities, starting with an immediate end to the violence. The international community continued to be alerted to reports of excessive use of force against unarmed civilians, attacks against medical facilities and personnel, torture in detention facilities and deaths in custody, and forced disappearances. The international community had a duty to not allow such violations to go unpunished and to decide whether they constituted crimes against humanity. Perpetrators should be prosecuted, judged and held accountable. They deplored that the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights fact-finding mission had not been allowed access to the country to get information on the ground. Allowing access would send a strong signal that the Syrian authorities were prepared to cooperate with the United Nations. While the Special Procedures welcomed the mission of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which would hopefully open space for humanitarian assistance, they nevertheless regretted that the government had not actively engaged with their mandates. They once again, in the strongest terms, condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the Syrian people. They urged the Syrian authorities to stop all acts of violence and embark upon a path of urgent and thorough reforms which met the claims and demands of the Syrian people with respect for the human rights of all.

Statement by Country Concerned

FAYSAL KHABBAS HAMOUI (Syria), speaking as the country concerned, expressed concern about the politicization and double standards in the work of the Council. Some countries had hurried to organize this special session despite the proximity of the 18th session of the Council. The Government responded to the questions of the High Commissioner and provided information concerning the measures taken to deal with the events. It was regrettable that the report of the High Commissioner did not reflect these inputs. The report and its sources discredited the professionalism of the High Commissioner. It included statements which misconstrued the truth, including the mentioning of crimes of war and against humanity, reflecting the view of States hostile to Syria. This constituted an attempt to terrorize the country and wage war against it. Syria continued to be subject to an unprecedented campaign directed at influencing its domestic politics, cause sectarian strife and portray the massacres perpetrated by armed gangs as a movement of peaceful demonstrations calling for reform and democracy. This was far from the truth. How was it possible to explain that more than 600 members of the armed forces had died; how could the destruction of government institutions and of private property be explained? The Government had lifted the emergency law, abolished the Supreme State Security Court, issued amnesty orders and set up a committee for national dialogue which held consultations with politicians, intellectuals, activists and representatives of civil society, the release of prisoners who had not committed crimes punishable by law, and decrees on general elections, local administration and the media.

Lies had been disseminated concerning events in Latakia, gangs in the region terrorized and threatened the inhabitants of the region, setting up mines on the streets. It was only natural that security forces intervened to protect citizens, as in many other countries; security forces had retreated after restoring order. However, mass media reported shelling and destruction of the city to promote sedition. These were lies disseminated by parties well known by their hostility to Syria with the objective of slowing down reforms and destabilizing the country and interfering in its internal affairs; they were also aimed at damaging the unity of the nation and these attempts constituted a flagrant violation of international law. Those countries which called for this special session had drafted an unprecedented resolution and had put pressure on many countries to support this draft resolution. They had become convinced that they were in a second Security Council in Geneva. All had seen the effects of these false reports in the economies and the lives of their citizens. The language used in the draft resolution was hateful and unknown to the Human Rights Council. If this resolution were adopted it would send a message of violence. The resolution would only cause the crisis to lengthen. Syria was committed to moving forward with the reforms as these were important and not as an act of submission to external pressure. The world would soon witness the effects of the reforms in order to ensure a bright future for the Syrian people. In conclusion, Syria was ready to receive the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights commission of inquiry, as soon as the independent Syrian judiciary completed its work.

Statements by Member States

CEZARY LUSINSKI (Poland on behalf of the European Union) said the whole world was following with shock and dismay the tragic developments in the Syrian Arab Republic. Reports of thousands of people being killed and many more forced to leave their homes could not remain unaddressed. We must react in a timely manner to gross human rights violations and suffering of people. The international community must step in and take action in an interactive and timely manner. In the last few weeks hundreds of people had been killed in a series of atrocities. Military operations had used tanks and heavy weapons against civilians, notably in the cities of Homs, Hama, Latakia and others. Further casualties and new refugees were reported after the Palestinian camp of al-Ramal was attacked. They could not remain silent. The Syrian authorities were waging a brutal campaign against their own people. They urged Syria to immediately end the gross human rights violations including excessive use of force against protestors, killing of protestors, torture and ill
treatment of detainees and enforced disappearances. They shared the concerns contained in the High Commissioner’s report that these violations may amount to crimes against humanity. Brutal repression must be stopped, detained prisoners released and unfettered access granted to international humanitarian and human rights organizations and the media, as all these alleged grave human rights violations constituted a blatant breach of Syria’s obligations under international law. Despite numerous requests from the international community, the Syrian authorities hadn’t introduced reforms. The European Union expressed deep regret over the fact that the Mission dispatched by the Office of the High Commissioner was not granted access to Syria. They reiterated their calls for the Syrian authorities to fully cooperate with Office of the High Commissioner. They stressed the need for an international, transparent and independent investigation into these allegations so perpetrators could be held accountable. In this context the European Union had tabled a resolution to investigate violations of international human rights law in Syria. They hoped the Council adopted the draft resolution by consensus to send a strong message to the Syrian authorities and the Syrian people.

LAURA MIRACHIAN (Italy), said that, despite the fact that not all the facts were clear and fully documented, it was understood that peaks of intolerable violence and violations of human rights had been reached. Violence and violations were still going on. Massive protests and demonstrations were happening in the streets and they were massively crushed. Italy could not but reiterate the strongest condemnation of the indiscriminate violence against civilians and massive human rights violations and the call to put an immediate end to the unacceptable harm caused to the Syrian people. Italy deplored that the Syrian authorities had so far refused to comply with resolution S-16/1. Italy renewed calls for the release all those arbitrarily arrested in connection with peaceful demonstrations, as well as political prisoners and human rights defenders and to grant unimpeded access to international humanitarian agencies, human rights organizations and the media. Italy supported the sending of an independent International Commission of Inquiry to conduct a full investigation on all alleged violations, with the aim of identifying and holding accountable those responsible for the crimes. The speaker reiterated the call for an inclusive national dialogue and a credible process of reforms, for which respect of political opponents’ rights and their freedom of expression and assembly was the necessary condition. Italy was confident that the Human Rights Council would send a unified message underlying the common resolve to uphold human rights and rule of law in Syria.

SIHASAK PHUANGKETKEOW (Thailand) said that they share a sense of great concern over the downward spiral of events in Syria. In the face of such a crisis situation it is incumbent upon the council to react in a timely and decisive manner. The Syrian Arab Republic must heed the calls of the international community. They called for an immediate end to the acts of violence against those peaceful protestors, which only lead to more violence and discord. Just as it was the responsibility of the Council to give strong voice to their concern, they had a responsibility to keep the door of engagement open, and for it to be meaningful it must be a two-way street. The government of Syria must now pursue in earnest a path of dialogue and reforms. Thailand called on the authorities in Syria to hold the perpetrators accountable. Thailand’s overriding concern was the growing humanitarian crisis, but more must be done in the long term including allowing the fact-finding mission of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights access. They must consider how best to lend support to the people of Syria in their call for change. The outcome must be for the people of Syria to decide for themselves; it was therefore imperative that their undertaking today enhance trust and confidence in the ability of the council to deal with all human rights challenges wherever they occurred. The strength of their message depended on them achieving strong consensus and unity of purpose.

JURG LAUBER (Switzerland), said that events in many parts of the world had shown that people’s aspirations for rights and freedom could not be contained, particularly not through violence. The use of indiscriminate violence against populations demanding freedom was illegal, inadmissible and undermined the credibility and legitimacy of the governments pursuing it. The number of dead and wounded among the population resulting from excessive use of force was shocking. Switzerland condemned the violations of human rights that had taken place in Syria since March and demanded that Syrian authorities halt the violence. Switzerland appealed to Syria to allow open access to its territory by humanitarian organizations and to cooperate with the competent United Nations bodies, in particular, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the commission of inquiry that would be established today. Switzerland called upon Syria to allow access to international media, abolish censorship of information and restore access to internet and telecommunications. Perpetrators of human rights violations should be brought to justice. It was thus important that independent inquiries were opened in order to determine the exact circumstances of these cases of violence and to identify its authors.

DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI (Indonesia) said that it shared the widespread concern about the lack of progress in Syria since the last special session and the escalation in recent weeks. They expressed condolences to the many victims and their families, and said that the Syrian authorities must act quickly to end the violence, bloodshed and return the situation to normalcy without delay, by lifting the state of emergency, abolishing the Supreme State Security Court, establishing political parties, electing local governance bodies and holding parliamentary elections. They urged Syria to engage with the international communities and said that there was a need for an exclusive and Syrian-led political process, allowing for the full exercise of the fundamental freedoms of all the population. This should be carried out in full respect with the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the country concerned and through close engagement and cooperation with that country. In conclusion, Indonesia continued to urge the Syrian authorities to ensure the safety of all its citizens and bring peace in the country.

HE YAFEI (China), said China was saddened by the violence taking place in Syria. China hoped that all parties in Syria could show restraint allowing dialogue and consultations that would prevent the violence from continuing. The future of Syria should be determined by its own people rather than by outside forces. The Syrian government was conducting reforms and China encouraged the government to continue with the reform process. The turmoil affecting countries in the Middle East and Africa was affecting their societies. Syria was an important country for the security and stability of the Middle East. Measures should be taken accordingly to restore public order in the country, in order to ensure the stability and security of the Middle East. This was the second time that the Council gathered to discuss the human rights situation in Syria. China hoped that by paying attention to the situation of Syria the Council could remain impartial.

BORJA MONTESINO (Spain) said that they aligned themselves with the statement given by the European Union. They strongly condemned the violence and actions to quell demonstrations in Syria which had led to the deaths of hundreds of people. Spain noted that the Syrian authorities had paid no heed to the Special Session of April and were now exercising even more serious violence against demonstrators and committing very serious human rights violations. They said that this reflected the powerlessness of the regime to meet the legitimate demands of its people. Spain would like to see an immediate end to the bloodshed and suffering and said that the legitimacy of any government was based upon their respect of their citizens’ human rights. Spain hoped that this session of the Human Rights Council would have adequate follow-up over the coming weeks.

FERNANDO ROJAS SAMANEZ (Peru), said that Peru deplored the deaths of civilians and condemned the violent repression of peaceful demonstrations and urged the Syrian government to seek a democratic solution to this crisis. The mission of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights did not receive cooperation from the Syrian government during its fact-finding mission and the reforms announced by the Syrian government have not progressed as expected. The Council could not remain passive in the face of the seriousness of this matter; this was why Peru had supported the call for this special session. It was indispensable that all parties would put and end to violent acts to avoid the loss of lives. This should be followed by a comprehensive political dialogue that took into account the aspirations of the Syrian people, full respect for human rights and freedoms, and in accordance with the principles and goals of the United Nations. Peru urged the Syrian authorities to allow humanitarian organizations and workers access to the country in order to alleviate the suffering of affected people and called upon the Syrian government to cooperate with the Council and the commission of inquiry to be established in order to bring to justice those responsible.

PEDRO OYARCE (Chile) said that the important trans-regional support for this Special Session, and the multiple statements showed that massive violations of human rights could not be met with indifference. It also showed that they needed full cooperation and constructive dialogue with the human rights system as a whole. Chile was shaken by and strongly condemned the human rights violations, including against freedom of assembly, freedom of movement and freedom of demonstration. Chile said they supported the fact-finding mission, with no conditions and as soon as possible so that the perpetrators of these acts did not remain unpunished and they could identify the humanitarian needs of the people of Syria. They hoped the people of Syria, through dialogue with the international community, could build conditions for peace, security and democracy that allowed the universal exercise of human rights.

MANUEL B. DENGO (Costa Rica), said that this meeting was of fundamental importance. Costa Rica reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of human rights and the immediate response to human rights violations anywhere in the world, without double standards and avoiding politicization. The Council should send a strong message about the unacceptable violations of human rights and international law taking place in Syria. Human rights were a tool to solve differences. The Council should provide a clear response condemning the violence. It was important to protect the civilian population and voices and calls for change could not be met with violence. The Council should send a strong signal to Damascus concerning its commitments to international mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights. A consensus would be important in a situation like this. However, the absence of a consensus should not weaken the message. Procedures should not be used to shield systematic violations of human rights. Costa Rica considered the language of the draft resolution reasonable and balanced and supported it with the conviction that this decision could play a preventive role in the context of new violent actions against the civilian population in Syria.

HARRIET E. BERG (Norway) said that international community was increasingly concerned about use of violence against protestors, the lack of medical assistance for the wounded and the imprisonment of opposition protestors. Political leaders who used force lost legitimacy. President Assad had now lost the legitimacy to rule the country and must step aside. Over 2,000 people, including children, had now been killed and more had been injured. Norway called for an immediate end to the violence and for all steps to meet the demands of the population. The situation continued to deteriorate and they urged the Syrian regime to allow access for humanitarian aid. The use of deadly force against peaceful protestors was entirely unacceptable and in breach of the government’s human rights obligations. Their actions may amount to crimes against humanity, and those responsible must be held accountable. They called for an independent commission of enquiry to investigate human rights abuses in Syria since July 2011. Norway supported people’s right to live in a society where all human rights, including civil and political rights, were safeguarded. They said that they believed freedom of expression and assembly was a precondition for sustainable development and prosperity. Norway urged the Human Rights Council to send a strong and united
message to Syria that they must uphold the rights of their people.

EILEEN CHAMBERLAIN DONAHOE (United States), condemned in the strongest terms the ongoing slaughter and callous brutality unleashed by the Assad regime against the Syrian people. The Syrian government’s abuses had been condemned by leaders in the region and from every region of the world. Increasingly, the international community was speaking with one voice to denounce the Syrian’s regime horrific violence. The human rights situation in Syria was extremely grave and deteriorating. The death toll continued to rise and regime security forces continued to engage in house-to-house raids, mass arrests, and the torture of prisoners. There were credible reports of detainees being tortured to death and of bodies returned to families bearing signs of torture. The United States deplored Assad’s campaign of ever-increasing brutality and terror against unarmed innocents, which may amount to crimes against humanity, and welcomed the recent report of the fact-finding mission called by the Council on 29 April. Today, the Council should take firmer actions to halt the ongoing crackdown against the Syrian people. The United States supported the call for an international, transparent, independent and prompt investigation into alleged violations of international human rights law by Syrian authorities. It was time for the Syrian people to determine their own destiny and the United States would continue to stand firmly on their side.

DHARAR ABDUL-RAZZAK RAZZOOQI (Kuwait) said they were among the early States that showed a clear and transparent position on the issue of holding a Special Session on human rights in Syria. They expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing bloodshed of the people of Syria, and called for dialogue and a political solution and urged implementation of genuine reforms, foregoing the security option to reestablish security and stability. The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) had issued a declaration over the deteriorating situation in the Syrian Arab Republic and expressed deep concern. Kuwait stressed the importance of respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria and said they supported the setting up of an independent commission of inquiry tasked with investigating all the facts and circumstances and submitting a report thereof to the Council. Kuwait noted that the wrong decisions could lead to grave mistakes and consequently to catastrophic results.

AHMED FAHAD AI MAREK (Saudi Arabia), said that it had previously clearly expressed its position. What was going on in Syria could not be accepted nor justified. Saudi Arabia had called for a halt to the bloodshed and called on Syria to refrain from violence and protect the sanctity of human live. Saudi Arabia hoped that this session would contribute to the improvement of the situation in Syria, preventing the further loss of life, and wished that a consensus formula for the draft resolution could be reached.

VALEMIY LOSHINIA (Russian Federation) said that the situation was of grave concern, especially because the country was a key point in the region. It was unfortunate that civilians were still being killed by military personnel and police. There was a need to resolve the range of problems in the country in the legal field through dialogue and cooperation. They must avoid only seeing one side. The opposition had declined to have a dialogue, but at the same time it was well known
how harsh some governments had been to restore order to their cities. The delegations reminded the floor that this was the second session and it must be noted that after the first session that the Syrian government adopted several reforms, including steps to abolish the state of emergency in the country and an attempt to amend the constitution. Clearly implementing these reforms would take a certain amount of time. The Russian Federation was convinced that a resolution must be carried out by the Syrians themselves without interference from outside and the Human Rights Council must assist them in that regard. The international community must help and the Russian Federation called on all sides to join in this process. Syria must accelerate urgent reforms and the Russian Federation could see that the Syrian authorities were prepared to take energetic measures to implement that.

HASHIM OTHMAN (Malaysia), said Malaysia remained concerned at the situation which continued to unfold in Syria. Reports on the use of indiscriminate violence and disproportionate use of force against protestors and civilians, including women and children, were of particular concern and were unacceptable. Malaysia called upon all sides to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from reprisals and to fully respect the rule of law and all human rights. Efforts must be exerted to end violence and impunity as well as ensure the accountability of perpetrators. Malaysia noted the commitment expressed by the Syrian government to undertake institutional and legal reforms and urged it to intensify efforts in actually implementing such measures. At the same time, Malaysia urged all sides to undertake transparent and inclusive course of action aimed at resuming peaceful and serious dialogue, national reconciliation and the political process for all Syrians. Malaysia noted the need to convey a united and clear message of support and solidarity for the promotion and protection of human rights of all people.

UMUNNA HUMPHREY ORJIAKO (Nigeria) said that it considered the allegations of grave human rights violations being committed by the Syrian authorities as condemnable and called upon the Syrian Government to immediately halt further violations and release all peaceful protestors who had been arbitrarily detained. Nigeria encouraged Syria to cooperate with to enable it to carry out its mission successfully without any restrictions. Nigeria also called on the Syrian Government to facilitate access for humanitarian groups. The speaker said any action necessary must be taken to prevent further loss of life and they encouraged the Syrian Authorities to guarantee the protection and security of all citizens as well as the international agencies and non-governmental organizations working in Syria to ensure that the necessary assistance was provided to all those in need.

PETER GUSCHELBAUER (Austria) said they fully aligned themselves with the statement made by Poland on behalf of the European Union. They called for this second Special Session because they were concerned about how the situation in Syria had deteriorated. The use of heavy weapons by the Syrian State in various cities across the country was unacceptable and may amount to crimes against humanity. Austria urged the Syrian leadership to respect its international human rights obligations. The indiscriminate violence against unarmed civilian protestors must be stopped. Austria urged Syria to release all prisoners and fully cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. To secure a peaceful and democratic future for the people of Syria, full respect of human rights must begin. Austria was disappointed that the fact-finding mission was prevented from entering the country and called upon the Council to establish a new mission.

KHALID AL-HAJRI (Qatar), thanked the Council for convening the session following the events unfolding since March. Qatar expressed deep concern with events taking place in Syria, lamented the loss of life of civilians and emphasized the need to legally protect the lives of civilians, in particular women and children. Qatar urged Syria to halt the bloodshed and the use of force against civilians and implement reforms that responded to the legitimate demands of the population. They remained confident that dialogue and reform remained the only way out of the crisis.

TOMAS HUSAK (Czech Republic), welcomed the convening of another Special Session on the human rights situation in Syria in support of the submitted draft resolution. They also welcomed the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and expressed deep concern with the lack of cooperation of the Syrian government. Czech Republic remained concerned by human rights violations committed by state security forces and remained alarmed by the number of victims amidst the civilian population, including children. The Syrian authorities should immediately put an end to human rights violations, free prisoners of consciousness, stop the use of military force, and perform real and credible reforms. The regime had lost its credibility and in the best interest of its population it should step aside. Czech Republic supported the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate the violation of human rights in Syria; perpetrators should be held accountable.

ANGELA MARIA CHAVEZ (Guatemala), said that the Council should deal with situations in which human rights violations took place without distinction. Guatemala supported the convening of this second Special Session on Syria, deplored the loss of human lives and called upon the Syrian government to uphold its obligations under international law and protect the lives of the civilian population. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms must be restored in the country; an immediate end should be put to the disproportionate use of force against the civilian population; and reforms should be quickly implemented. The facts concerning alleged human rights violations should be established and those responsible should be brought to account. Guatemala supported the establishment of a commission of inquiry to take on these tasks as proposed by the draft resolution introduced to the Council.

MOTHUSI B.R. PALAI (Botswana) said that in April 2011 the Human Rights Council passed a resolution on the Syrian Arab Republic and expressed deep regret about the deteriorating human rights situation. The Council was hopeful that the situation would improve, but four months later there was little evidence this had happened. On the contrary, there had been loss of life, curtailment of the freedoms of expression and assembly, arbitrary detentions and intolerance towards political plurality. Furthermore, engagement with the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights had not been allowed into the country. The people of Syria looked to this Council for redemption.

HUGO BRAUWERS (Belgium), paid tribute to the Syrian people who had risked their lives by continuing to peacefully demonstrate for democratic reforms in spite of the disproportionate use of force by Syrian military and security forces. Belgium regretted that Syria had not granted access to the fact-finding mission of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights despite repeated requests. The human rights situation in Syria had deteriorated since the convening of the first Special Session and the fact-finding mission had found a pattern of human rights violations that constituted widespread or systematic attacks against the civilian population. Belgium was shocked to learn that children had not only been targeted by security forces and had been repeatedly subjected to the same human rights and criminal violations as adults, including torture. Belgium deplored that the Syrian authorities kept on violating their international human rights obligations, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and strongly condemned the summary executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture and ill-treatment committed in the brutal campaign by the Syrian authorities against its own population. Considering the serious deterioration of the human rights situation in Syria, Belgium strongly supported the establishment of a commission of inquiry as provided for in the draft resolution.

RODOLFO REYES RODRIGUEZ (Cuba) said that the situation was being manipulated by some aspects of the media and foreign press and that human rights were not the true motivation for this Special Session. Cuba said that instead the true objectives of countries, including Israel and the United States, were to bring about regime change in Syria and to change the map of the region. Cuba did not agree with the alleged protection of human lives becoming a pretext for foreign intervention. The process that led to what was now occurring in Libya began in this very same Human Rights Council. Cuba said that if the Human Rights Council was so concerned, why did they not call a meeting to investigate the actions of NATO in Afghanistan, the actions of Israel or the abductions of persons who had been arrested without due course and were now being tortured in the illegal detention centre of Guantanamo? Cuba went on to say that there had been precedents that had been created in recent cases in which the United Nations Charter itself had been manipulated. They expressed their categorical rejection of anything that violated the sovereignty of Syria. Cuba said the international community should help to safeguard peace and security in this member country and not exacerbate it. Cuba was confident Syria could resolve their internal problems without outside interference.

JUAN JOSE GOMEZ CAMACHO (Mexico), said that the Council met with a sense of urgency and deep concern to address the situation in Syria. Reports revealed the deployment of tanks and security forces intensifying repression, while the alarming number of executions, forced disappearances, acts of torture and arbitrary detentions increased. The Council was sending a message of solidarity and support to the Syrian population as it sought change through pacific means. Mexico strongly condemned the attacks against the Syrian population and called upon the Syrian government to immediately halt the increasing violence and to privilege an inclusive dialogue. Power did not belong to governments, but to those governed. The refusal to grant access to the fact-finding mission was inadmissible and therefore, more than ever, it was important to ensure the fulfillment of the objectives for which it was created. In this regard, Mexico supported the creation of an independent commission of inquiry in order to objectively investigate the atrocities committed and hold those responsible accountable.

GABRIELA CONSTANTINESCU (Romania) regretted that the mission of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had not received cooperation from the Syrian government. Romania expressed great concern at the use of military force and of the 2,000 plus victims, and reports of more killings over the past two days. Romania thought that the legitimate considerations of the Syrian people for reform must be met and the Syrian authorities must fulfill their obligations under human rights law. Romania called on Syrian authorities to fully cooperate with the Human Rights Council.

IRUTHISHAM ADAM (Maldives), said that it was unfortunate that since the adoption of the resolution S-16/1, the Syrian authorities had intensified their campaign of repression against civilians. Violence committed against children was unacceptable, including violations against Islamic values and international law. Syria had not taken any steps to comply with the resolution nor cooperated with the fact-finding mission of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Notwithstanding Syria’s cooperation with the mission, it had been able to collect important evidence. The Maldives was deeply disturbed by the evidence that systematic attacks against the civilian population may amount to crimes against humanity. Maldives called on the Syrian authorities to immediately cease all violence against civilians, and to begin a serious process of democratic and human rights reform. If the government did not, then it was time for President Bashar al-Assad and his government to step aside.

GLORIA GANGIE (India) said that the situation in Syria posed a serious challenge to stability in the country and deep ramifications for the region and beyond. India urged Syria to exercise restraint, abjure violence and pay heed to the aspirations of its people. India hoped that the Syrian government expedited the reform measures it had announced and would be more responsive to the concerns expressed by the international community. India welcomed Syria’s acceptance of the visit of the UN humanitarian mission and President Assad’s message to the UN Secretary-General that all military operations had ceased. The Human Rights Council should concentrate on the issue of human rights rather than pronounce on political and other issues. The Human Rights Council must be perceived as being even-handed by dealing with similar situations in a similar fashion and be guided by prudence rather than strategic expediency. India went on to say that there were reports of the flow of arms into Syria and the Syrian Security forces had themselves suffered heavy casualties. The Syrian government had pointed out that among the 1,900 dead over 650 security forces were numbered in the casualties. India mentioned reports of attacks on minorities and acts of gruesome violence by extremist elements, which need to be condemned. India concluded by saying that that they would support all measures to restore peace in Syria by encouraging all sides to abjure violence in any form and resolve grievances through peaceful means.

Statements by Observer States

JEAN-BAPTISTE MATTEI (France), said that the Syrian regime had engaged for months in a policy of repression against its people in violation of human rights. The international community had called upon the Syrian regime to renounce violence. The Syrian government had ignored these appeals and intensified repression; the denial to allow the mission of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to access its territory was a sign of this. It was essential that the Council send a strong signal condemning the repression and calling for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry. France supported the proposals put forward by the report of the Office of the High Commissioner, in particular, suggesting the Security Council consider referring the current situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. France appealed to the Council to adopt the draft resolution.

REINHARD SCHWEPPE (Germany) condemned the brutal campaign President Assad was waging against his own people, and said that the killings and imprisonment were unacceptable and must be stopped immediately. They went on to say that President Assad had lost legitimacy among the Syrian people and must step aside. Germany appreciated the position taken by the Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Gulf Cooperation Council as well as by Syria’s neighboring countries. Germany joined calls for all perpetrators to be brought to justice and said that the international community must live up to its responsibilities. The Human Rights Council must react when such appalling events take place and identify what strong measures could be put in place. Germany greatly appreciated the broad cross-regional support for their initiative in convening this Special Session, despite not currently being a member of the Human Rights Council, and urged members of the Council to condemn the brutal crackdown in Syria by endorsing unanimously the resolution before them.

SANG-KI PARIS (Republic of Korea), expressed deep concern over the large number of civilian casualties incurred by the Syrian government’s continued use of force against peaceful protesters over the past months. The Republic of Korea strongly condemned the Syrian’s government excessive use of force and human rights abuses against civilians and further called upon the government to immediately cease its use of force and to investigate all these brutalities and bring those responsible to account. In this regard, the Republic of Korea considered this Special Session to be timely and appropriate and hoped that it would provide an opportunity for the international community to deliver a clear and unified message that the excessive use of force against civilians could not be justified for any reason and under any situation. The Republic of Korea noted with deep concern the findings of the fact-finding mission concerning widespread and systematic attacks by the Syrian government since mid-March and expressed support for the creation of an independent and transparent international commission of inquiry with a view to investigating all cases of human rights violations, including those which could constitute crimes against humanity, and they expected the outcome of this Special Session to play a meaningful part in the further consideration of the issue by the Security Council.

BOUDEWIJN J. VAN EENENNAAM (Netherlands) said that the Netherlands aligned itself with the statement by Poland on behalf of the European Union and supported the resolution. The Netherlands were deeply concerned and sent their deepest sympathy and respect to the people of Syria. The speaker said they believed that the Syrian Government and President Assad had lost legitimacy and the time had come for them to step aside. The Syrian Government hadn’t cooperated with the requests for investigations into the violations of human rights law as well as the humanitarian situation from the international community.

YAPRAK ALP (Turkey), said that Turkey was gravely concerned with the unfolding developments in Syria. Turkey wished to see peace, security and stability restored in Syria through the realization of the legitimate aspirations of the people. Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must not only be recognized but actually implemented. Only then could the overtures towards political change and democratic transformation be meaningful. On the other hand, to be credible, words and deeds must match each other. Turkey would continue to stand by the Syrian people for the realization of their legitimate aspirations.

SARDJA SIRISMA (Sri Lanka) said that adequate consideration must be given to the capacity-building needs of the State concerned and there must be elimination of double standards and politicization. The Human Rights Council must engage with the State for the promotion and protection of human rights. Any action from this session must not affect civilians, and it was regrettable that resolutions adopted from this body in the past had affected civilians. Sri Lanka thought the draft resolution did little to embark on a path of cooperation and said they firmly believed a home-grown response was the best solution and urged all parties to contribute to improved conditions on the ground.

Mr. G. CORR (Ireland), said that for many months the Syrian authorities had waged a war on their own people. The most basic tenets of international human rights law had been repeatedly and shamefully violated by the Syrian authorities. This session was an expression of solidarity with the people of Syria. The Syrian government could have taken the path of dialogue. It could have heeded the calls of the Council in April. It could have cooperated with the fact-finding mission. It could have listened to the peaceful demands of its own people. The Syrian people had shown extraordinary courage and valor in the face of an unrelenting onslaught from their own Government. Ireland strongly welcomed the report of the fact-finding mission and emphasized the importance of its recommendation to immediately put an end to the gross human rights violations, including the excessive use of force against demonstrators and the killing of protestors, torture and ill treatment and of enforced disappearance. This should be the central message of the Council to Syria today.

PAUL WILSON (Australia) said that credible reports estimated that 2,000 people had been killed since March and thousands more had been injured or detained. There had been a consistent pattern of violence against unarmed protestors and protestors seeking medical assistance. There had been indiscriminate firing on civilians, including children, by security forces and the use of tanks, heavy machines, guns and helicopters in urban areas. The speaker said they had received shocking images from courageous people in Syria. Australia called on President Assad to step down so the people of Syria could engage in peaceful political activity and have a chance to determine their own future. Australia would ask the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Representative on Syria to report on developments. Australia also called for Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court and supported calls for a Commi