UN Human Rights Council 47: Interactive Dialogue with the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syrian Arab Republic

Madam President,

The UK strongly supports the work of the Commission of Inquiry, and we thank them for their continued reporting, which is a shocking reminder of the scale of violations and abuses that individual Syrian women, men and children have now endured for over a decade.

We condemn all violations and abuses that have taken place. Ultimately, however, it is the Syrian regime and their allies that bear the primary responsibility for this devastation, a responsibility that is in no way diminished by the illegitimate Presidential election held in Syria this May.

Madam President,

The United Kingdom condemns the attack on the Al-Shiffa Hospital in Afrin on 12 June, which resulted in 19 deaths and more than 40 wounded. All those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable. Civilian infrastructure, medical staff and aid workers must be protected.

We urge all parties to allow humanitarian access, including through UN Security Council Resolution 2533, which must be renewed this week, and to abide by current ceasefire agreements and international law.

The human rights situation across the whole of Syria remains deplorable. We will present a resolution this session, which notes in particular our concerns about missing persons.

Thank you.