Statement on behalf of the NB8 countries at the 78th Session of the UNGA's Debate on the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism by Permanent Representative of Latvia, Ambassador H.E. Ms. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes

24.04.2024.

Statement on behalf of the NB8 countries at the 78th Session of the UNGA's Debate on the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism by Permanent Representative of Latvia, Ambassador H.E. Ms. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes

 

New York, 24 April 2024

Mr. President, Distinguished delegates,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the eight Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Latvia.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Ms. Catherine Marchi-Uhel for her insightful presentation of the IIIM’s tenth report and for her relentless efforts to steer the Mechanism towards achieving its goals. We remain active supporters of the Mechanism as we highly appreciate all the work undertaken by the Mechanism since its establishment.

The brutal armed conflict in Syria has raged now for 13 years – 13 years marked with wide-scale atrocities, human rights violations and abuses against people in Syria, an ever-growing death toll, use of chemical weapons and way over 100 000 people still missing. The conflict has resulted in one of the largest refugee crisis in modern history. The Nordic-Baltic region has also welcomed Syrians, many of them traumatized, in our countries. Yet the hope for peace remains. We believe that justice and accountability is critical for achieving sustainable peace in Syria. This is a central reason why our support to IIIM’s work remains strong.

The Mechanism has demonstrated its vital role in the international community’s efforts for justice and accountability, including towards ending impunity. Initiation of new activities, including the development of new digital analytical platforms and engagement with a broad range of providers during the reporting period is welcomed. We regret that despite the efforts of the Mechanism, the Syrian Arab Republic refuses to cooperate with the Mechanism, making it harder for Syrians, regardless of where they are, to get closure.

Countless atrocities have reportedly been committed during the protracted conflict, by all parties. The Nordic and Baltic countries continue to assess that given its status, capabilities and external supporters, the Syrian government under Assad, together with its allies, bear the main responsibility for many of the flagrant violations of international law. However, expert reports have demonstrated that there are no clean hands in Syria.

Mr. President,

The Security Council has been entrusted with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. This responsibility also entails responding to serious violations of international law. To date, the Security Council has been powerless to respond to the atrocities in Syria, as the Russian Federation has vetoed 17 Council resolutions on Syria since 2011. Nevertheless, we continue to call on the Security Council to step up its efforts to ensure accountability, including by referring the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. The establishment of the IIIM through the General Assembly is an important reminder of the power of the Assembly to step in when the Council is unable or unwilling to act. General Assembly must be ready to fill the gap left by the use of the veto, in line with the Veto Initiative.

Mr. President,

We commend the Mechanism for the progress made on the implementation of its strategic plan for the period 2023–2025. It has provided significant support to justice actors and continued extensive engagement with civil society, including closer cooperation with victim and survivor associations.

The development of a methodological package to guide engagement with Syrian children and youth is a good example of the systematic integration. We also welcome the increased sharing of relevant information to help clarify the fate of persons missing in connection with the ongoing repressions in Syria.

While the Mechanism has progressed over the years, it can’t achieve its aims alone. It is crucial to enhance international co-operation. We encourage Member States to share all relevant information about crimes committed in Syria to ensure the facilitation of investigation and further accountability. Ending impunity and delivering justice for the victims of the most serious crimes is our collective responsibility.

Finally, the Mechanism needs sustainable resources to carry out important work. The Nordic-Baltic countries continue to support the financing of the IIIM from the UN regular budget. Many of our Countries also support the Mechanism with additional voluntary contributions, and we encourage all States to consider doing likewise.

I thank you.