Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the convening and outcome of the special session of the UN Human Rights Council on Syria

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 23 August 2011

A 324/11

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton

on the convening and outcome of the special session

of the UN 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 today the following statement:

"I warmly welcome the outcome of the special session of the Human Rights Council on Syria

and the decision taken to urgently dispatch an independent international commission of inquiry to

investigate violations of international human rights law in response to the intolerable and

unacceptable developments on the ground. The UN Fact-Finding Mission has established that the

massive violations currently committed in Syria and the violence against civilians may amount to

crimes against humanity. Urgent and proper action is paramount to investigate these violations,

identify those responsible and ensure that perpetrators of violations are held accountable.

As part of its response to the situation in Syria, the EU has taken the lead in engaging with

countries from all regions in order to convene this special session. The resolution adopted today

has received strong cross-regional support and demonstrates the wide and unequivocal rejection of

the Syrian regime’s brutality against its own people. The brutal repression must be stopped,

detained protesters released, free access by international humanitarian and human rights

organizations and media allowed, and a genuine and inclusive national dialogue launched to

address the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people."

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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]

[email protected]

www.eeas.europa.eu

EN

بيان الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون يرحب بنتيجة الدورة الخاصة لمجلس حقوق الإنسان بشأن سورية وتشكيل لجنة تحقيق دولية.