Damascus Reaffirms Commitment to Accountability and Victim Rights
Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Albi, has reaffirmed the Syrian state’s firm commitment to holding perpetrators of crimes accountable and providing redress for victims. He emphasized that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure that violations do not recur.
Albi made these remarks during his participation in discussions regarding Item 79, titled “Crimes against humanity,” before the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly, which handles legal affairs.
Highlighting Syria’s proactive role in international legal frameworks, Albi noted that the country’s selection for membership in the bureau of the Preparatory Committee for the UN Conference on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity reflects the Syrian people’s determination to advance the cause of justice. He pointed out that Syria’s election earlier this year as a vice-chair of the committee demonstrates the trust member states have in Damascus’s willingness and commitment to make constructive contributions to the drafting of the upcoming international convention.
During his address to the committee, the Syrian representative outlined the significant national efforts being undertaken by Syrian authorities to strengthen justice and accountability mechanisms. He affirmed that the state remains focused on achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights, in accordance with national laws and relevant international resolutions.
Within the scope of the political and legal approach presented during the session, Albi pointed to what he described as a stark contradiction between Syria’s sincere commitment to contributing to the development of international law aimed at preventing crimes against humanity, and the continued commission of violations and field crimes by the Israeli side on Syrian territory. He characterized these ongoing actions as a direct challenge to international efforts aimed at establishing global standards for accountability.
Syria was elected in January to the position of vice-chair of the bureau of the first Preparatory Committee for the UN Conference on the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity. Syrian officials have cited this appointment as part of a broader effort to play an active and effective role in international legal forums.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
