The State of Qatar has reiterated its firm position condemning violence against civilians and flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Syria, which were confronted with oppression and excessive violence, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the launch of the peaceful protests of the Syrian people.
This came in a statement made by Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations in New York H E Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, before the United Nations General Assembly in its informal session, in which Her Excellency briefed H E Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres on the General Assembly decisions 193/75 on the situation in Syria, about the resolution on the human rights situation in Syria.
The Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations in New York said that these violations have caused the worst humanitarian crisis witnessed, and led to the escalation of terrorism, and to dire consequences for peace and security in the region and the world, adding that it is especially unfortunate that the children who have most bore the brunt of the crisis are children, of whom millions have only known the scourge of wars.
The Permanent Representative added that in view of this catastrophic humanitarian situation, the State of Qatar has been committed to its humanitarian responsibility and has been at the forefront of countries that contributed to providing humanitarian aid to the Syrian people, which exceeded $2bn.
Her Excellency noted the legal and moral responsibility of the State of Qatar towards ensuring justice and accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity and addressing impunity, as one of the factors contributing to the sustainability of peace and preventing the recurrence of crimes.
She explained that the atrocities committed in Syria are the most documented, and they also include the worst use of banned chemical weapons against civilians, in blatant violation of international law, in this context, Her Excellency referred to the effective role played by the State of Qatar, along with the Principality of Liechtenstein, in establishing the international, impartial and independent mechanism under General Assembly Resolution 71/248, calling for continued support for the mechanism that has proven effective in addressing impunity.
The Ambassador went on saying that after ten years of the crisis, it has become clear to everyone that military solutions have not and will not succeed, and will only lead to more suffering and regional instability, stressing that a sustainable solution requires a political process that fulfills the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and maintains unity in Syria and its sovereignty and independence.
She reiterated Qatar’s support for the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to reach a solution through a meaningful political process that leads to a political transition in accordance with the Geneva Declaration and the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2254.
She also stressed the need to support the Constitutional Committee to achieve its purpose, stressing the need for measures to build confidence and protect human rights, especially addressing the issue of detainees urgently, she also called for ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches all those in need, and that it is delivered without hindrance.
Furthermore, she pointed out that these and other important elements were emphasized in the joint ministerial statement of the State of Qatar, the Republic of Turkey and the Russian Federation issued on Mar. 11, 2021 in Doha.
At the conclusion of her statement, the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations in New York Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, reiterated the State of Qatar’s continued cooperation with international partners, and sincerely and earnestly seek possible ways to contribute constructively to ending the Syrian crisis.
