Qatar 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 10th anniversary of the launch of the peaceful protests of the Syrian people.
This came in a statement made by HE the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations in New York Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, before the UN General Assembly in its informal session, in which she briefed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the General Assembly decisions 193/75 on the situation in Syria, about the resolution on the human rights situation in Syria.
HE Sheikha Alya 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 among those who have most bore the brunt of the crisis are children, of whom millions have only known the scourge of wars.
She added that in view of this catastrophic situation, 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. She noted the legal and moral responsibility of Qatar towards ensuring justice and accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and addressing impunity, as one of the factors contributing to the sustainability of peace and preventing the recurrence of crimes.
HE Sheikha Alya 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. She referred to the effective role played by 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 10 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.
HE Sheikha Alya 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 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 emphasised in the joint ministerial statement of Qatar, Turkey and Russia issued on March 11, 2021 in Doha. At the conclusion of her statement, HE Sheikha Alya reiterated Qatar's continued co-operation with international partners, and sincerely and earnestly seek possible ways to contribute constructively to ending the Syrian crisis.
