OPCW’s Latest Report ‘Important Step towards Accountability & Prevention of Further CW Use’

Press release

Syrian Coalition

Department of Media and Communications

March 3, 2019

The Syrian Coalition welcomes the findings of the latest report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as it calls upon the UN Security Council and the major players in Syria to take the necessary steps to ensure accountability. The Coalition reminds those countries of their commitment to respond if the use of chemical weapons is proven in Syria again.

OPCW is still required, based on its new mandate which has been expanded recently, to name the party responsible for the chemical weapons attacks in Syria beyond confirming or denying the use of chemical weapons.

The Coalition reiterates the importance of supporting OPCW work to ensure the launch of investigations into all incidents involving the use of chemical weapons. It also underscores the importance of coordination with Syrian human rights organizations which have been tracking and following up on many cases that have not yet been investigated by the international organization. Investigations needs to be continued in order to clearly identify the perpetrators; do justice to the victims; punish those responsible for this crime and all similar crimes; and to prevent further crimes against the Syrian people, whether these involve the use of chemical or conventional weapons