29 квітня 2025 року делегація України виступила на пленарному засіданні Генеральної Асамблеї ООН, присвяченому розгляду 11-ї доповіді Міжнародного, неупередженого та незалежного механізму сприяння розслідуванню й переслідуванню осіб, відповідальних за найтяжчі злочини за міжнародним правом, вчинені в Сирійській Арабській Республіці з березня 2011 року

У своїй заяві делегація України привітала історичну можливість досягнення всеохоплюючого правосуддя в Сирії після падіння режиму Башара Асада у грудні 2024 року.

Україна висловила рішучу підтримку діяльності Механізму та закликала всі держави-члени до повної співпраці з ним. Делегація наголосила, що притягнення до відповідальності є основою сталого миру, а не перешкодою для нього.

Окремо було підкреслено, що присутність російських військ у Сирії підриває зусилля міжнародного співтовариства з досягнення справедливості та миру. Україна закликала до їх негайного виведення.

 

Statement by the Delegation of Ukraine at the 65th plenary meeting of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly to hear the eleventh 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 

(New York, 29 April 2025)

 

Mr. President,

Distinguished colleagues,

The delegation of Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the EU delegation and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity.

Ukraine welcomes the eleventh report of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) on Syria and commends the Mechanism’s tireless work in the pursuit of justice for victims and survivors of the most serious crimes under international law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011.

Today, we meet at a historic juncture for Syria. Following the end of Bashar al-Assad’s rule in December 2024, a long-awaited opportunity has emerged for comprehensive justice and accountability. For the first time in fourteen years, there is a real prospect to deliver on the promises made by the international community — promises of justice, truth, reconciliation, and sustainable peace.

Ukraine strongly supports the efforts of the IIIM to ensure that perpetrators of international crimes are held accountable. We commend the Mechanism’s first-ever visit to the Syrian Arab Republic in December 2024 and its initial positive engagement with the caretaker authorities.

We emphasize the importance of full cooperation with the IIIM by all Member States, including the facilitation of access, the implementation of cooperation frameworks, and the provision of support services for witnesses. We also underscore the need for coordination with the United Nations system and other international organizations to strengthen evidence-sharing mechanisms and avoid duplication of efforts.

Mr. President,

Accountability is a cornerstone of sustainable peace, not an obstacle to it. All victims and survivors in Syria demand and deserve justice that is fair, independent, and inclusive.

We therefore reiterate our strong support for the IIIM’s victim- and survivor-centered approach, its thematic strategies on gender, children and youth, and its broader justice objectives. Only by ensuring that the voices of all victims are heard and addressed can we hope to achieve lasting reconciliation and build resilient, peaceful societies.

Furthermore, we urge the immediate withdrawal of Russian military forces from Syria. The continued presence of foreign forces in the country undermines efforts to achieve justice, accountability, and lasting peace.

To conclude, Ukraine calls on all Member States to prioritize accountability for the most serious international crimes committed in Syria and to support an inclusive, comprehensive transitional justice process that upholds the rights and dignity of all those affected.

Thank you.