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Statement by the Delegation of Ukraine at the UNGA plenary meeting to hear the tenth report of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 (24 April 2024, New York)

Mr. President, distinguished delegates,

I wish to thank Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria, Catherine Marchi Uhel, for the presentation of the tenth report of the IIIM. 

As we align ourselves with the statement delivered by the European Union, I would like to add a few remarks in my national capacity.

The report confirms that the IIIM plays an important role in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes committed in Syria since March 2011.

We endorse all the recommendations contained in the report, seeking to build upon the Mechanism’s cooperation with the United Nations, Member States and civil society.

The international community must also think about the way forward for ensuring accountability. In this regard, Ukraine echoes calls to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.

We also commend the important work of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry and welcome the establishment of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic.

Mr. President,

The international community must spare no effort to halt or at least alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people. 

Ensuring that those who have perpetrated serious violations and abuses are held accountable and providing justice for the victims are crucial steps toward reconciliation and lasting peace in Syria. These efforts should be part of a comprehensive political solution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

Dear colleagues,

We are here to respect and defend the UN Charter and international law unless we want to live in a jungle where might is right. All the perpetrators of the most serious crimes under international law must not go unpunished.

Everything in the world is interconnected. We know that Russians were involved in mass killings of civilians in Syria. Justice is yet to be served for the victims of those crimes. Impunity breeds more violence. The fairness of this statement is evident in the example of the Russian war against Ukraine, marked with the most flagrant war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the aggressor.

This is why we call on all Member States to redouble our efforts to establish the Special tribunal for the prosecution of the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

Justice must prevail.

Thank you, Mr. President