18 Foreign Ministers: on the fight against impunity for crimes committed in Syria

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More than half Syrian the population had to leave their homes, and more than six million have fled their homeland to escape the regime’s atrocities. Tens of thousands are subject to enforced disappearance, leaving families completely unaware of their fate or whereabouts.

The Syrian regime has repeatedly used chemical weapons against its own people, as the United Nations (YEAR) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The regime has consistently sought to provide explanations to international investigation teams. However, the victims of the chemical attacks carried out by the regime are ready to testify to what they have seen and suffered.

We will not remain silent when we see the atrocities that have taken place in Syria, for which the regime and its supporters abroad are primarily responsible. Many of these crimes, including those committed by Daesh and other armed groups, could be equated with war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is everyone’s responsibility to fight impunity and hold them accountable for the crimes committed in Syria, whoever is to blame.

This is about justice for the victims. Given the seriousness of the crimes, we continue to call for the International Criminal Court to be allowed to investigate alleged crimes in Syria and bring those responsible to justice. To counteract the strategy pursued by those who prevent the UN Security Council from referring cases to the ICC, we are working to ensure that the facts are documented before they are heard by competent judges. We therefore support the establishment of an International Impartial and Independent Mechanism to gather and preserve evidence for future litigation. These efforts are important. We also support the work of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which documents human rights violations during the Syrian conflict.

It is essential to put an immediate end to these violations, which are so well documented. We are also determined to implement all international standards to protect the rights of all Syrians, as demonstrated by the recent initiative by the Netherlands to hold Syria accountable for violating the UN Convention against Torture. National courts, some of which have already initiated legal proceedings, play an important role in this regard. In several of our countries, those who have committed crimes have already been prosecuted and final sentences handed down. As early as 2016, Swedish courts began prosecuting serious crimes in Syria. Last month, a court in Koblenz, Germany, handed down the first historic verdict against a former Syrian intelligence officer for involvement in crimes against humanity. Trials are also taking place in France, and a recent lawsuit has been filed in Paris against the Syrian regime for chemical attacks on its citizens.

The European Union has adopted targeted sanctions against individuals and legal entities close to the regime responsible for the repression of the Syrian people. We reject the regime’s claims that the suffering of the Syrian people is a consequence of these sanctions. The current economic crisis affecting the Syrians has been caused by the regime’s blatant neglect of the economy and its poor governance.

We now need to find solutions to the tragedy involving detainees and more than 100 000 missing persons. It is important for the UN to make every effort to achieve concrete results, first and foremost on the part of the Syrian regime.

Combating impunity is not only a matter of principle, it is also a moral and political requirement and international community security question. The use of chemical weapons in all circumstances is a threat to international peace and security. In response to chemical attacks, we have mobilized all responsible authorities to monitor compliance with the ban on chemical weapons. OPCW expert groups have conducted a fully independent investigation. To complete this important work, we have established the International Partnership against the Impunity of Chemical Weapons, which brings together 40 countries and the European Union. This initiative has provided an opportunity to condemn those involved in the development and use of chemical weapons. And we will not rest until they have been punished for their crimes.

Finally, the fight against impunity is a precondition for lasting peace in Syria. Unless human rights violations and abuses are stopped completely and verifiably, there will be no positive change for the Syrian people in the future. Without accountability for the crimes committed, Syria will not be able to correct the mistakes of the past.

We appreciate the heroic efforts of human rights defenders, NGO staff and civil society, risking their lives, to uncover the truth about the crimes committed in Syria. We offer them protection wherever possible, and our justice systems are active in bringing those responsible for serious crimes to justice.

What has happened in this decade of violence must be fully revealed. It is essential to ensure justice for victims so that, in accordance with a credible and viable political solution UN Security Council in Resolution no. 2245, could restore a stable, peaceful Syria.

Our countries are committed to ensuring that war criminals and torturers do not go unpunished. Their crimes will not stifle the dignity and justice of the Syrian people.

The joint statement was signed by the foreign ministers of the following countries:

Austria