Syria: Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the outcome of the special session of the Human Rights Council on 2 December 2011

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 2 December 2011

A 490/11

Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton

on the outcome of the special session of the Human Rights Council

on Syria

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and

Vice-President of the Commission, made the following statement today:

"Today's Resolution by the UN Human Rights Council sends a strong message to the Syrian

Government to stop the brutality against its own people. It is a clear signal to the Syrian people that

the international community supports them. We called for this Special Session because of the

blatant breaches of international law by the Syrian authorities, which were highlighted by the

International Commission of Inquiry.

This EU initiative, supported by Arab states and countries across the world, demonstrates that we

do not accept Syria's persistent failure to comply with its international obligations. The resolution,

adopted by an overwhelming majority, takes our action to a higher level. It calls for the Office of

the High Commissioner for Human Rights to be present in Syria. It demands that the Commission of

Inquiry have access to the country. And it proposes a mandate for a Special Rapporteur to monitor

the situation. The measures adopted today are crucial to ensure the protection of human rights in

Syria. As long as the repression goes on, we shall continue to press for strong UN action to ensure

the safety and protection of the Syrian people."

____________________

P R E S S

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 299 97 80 - [email protected]

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - [email protected]

Sebastien Brabant +32 498 986 433 - [email protected]

[email protected]

www.eeas.europa.eu

EN

بيان الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون حول نتيجة الدورة الخاصة لمجلس حقوق الإنسان بشأن سورية، ترى في القرار رسالة قوية للحكومة السورية لوقف وحشيتها ضد شعبها.