Syria: Head of UN panel appeals to Member States to end relentless carnage
July 30, 2013: As “crimes that shock the conscience” continue in Syria, the head
of a United Nations-appointed human rights probe today implored Member States to act
decisively and put an end to the violence and carnage that has gripped the nation
for more than two years.
“We cannot continue to recite a litany of violations
and abuses to little effect either on the warring parties inside Syria or those walking
along the corridors of power. It is not enough to be appalled,” Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro,
Chair of the International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, said in his briefing to
the General Assembly.
“There is an obligation to do what you must to bring
this war to a close. This will require the international community not only to recognize,
but also to demand, a diplomatic solution,” he added. “It is time to do what you must
to bring Syria to a just and lasting peace.”
Established by the UN Human Rights
Council in August 2011, the Commission also includes experts Karen Koning Abuzayd,
Carla del Ponte and Vitit Muntarbhorn. It has been mandated to investigate and record
all violations of international human rights law during the Syria conflict.
More
than 100,000 people have been killed since fighting began between Syrian Government
forces and opposition groups seeking to oust President Bashar Al-Assad. Almost 2 million
have fled to neighbouring countries and a further 4 million have been internally displaced.
The Commission has provided 10 reports and updates so far, outlining a litany
of “crimes that shock the conscience” which have become a daily reality for civilians,
who are bearing the brunt of the conflict that began over two years ago. These include:
indiscriminate shelling and aerial bombardment; disappearances; torture; sexual violence;
and massacres.
Mr. Pinheiro noted that those who continue to perpetuate rights
violations do not seem to have any fear of future accountability for their actions.
Indeed, shining a spotlight on their unlawful conduct has not had the effect of stopping,
or even slowing it.
“That civilians should come under such sustained unlawful
attacks should shock your conscience and spur you to action. But it has not,” he told
delegates. “As the conflict drags on, you – and the world – have become accustomed
to levels of violence that were previously unthinkable. The absence of decisive action,
by the community of States as a whole, has nourished the culture of impunity that
has developed inside Syria today.
“This war is a chronicle of missed opportunities
on the part of influential States and the international community,” he added.
It
is time for the international community to act decisively, stressed Mr. Pinheiro,
adding that a return to negotiation leading to a political settlement is imperative.
He added that accountability must form part of the negotiations if any future peace
is to endure.