STATEMENT by a Russian representative on Syria at the 53rd Session of the UN HRC

Statement by a Russian representative during the dialogue with the International Commission of Inquiry on Syria at the 53rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council

(July 5, 2023, Geneva)

The dire situation in Syria caused by the long-term conflict, rampant terrorism and external aggression was further aggravated by the powerful earthquake in February.

The Syrian people require urgent assistance in overcoming the challenges they have been facing for many years. This includes eradicating terrorism, restoring critical civilian infrastructure and residential areas, promoting economic development and creating conditions for the refugees to return home.

Instead of paying attention to these issues, the Commission is looking for opportunities to exert pressure on Damascus, replicating unfounded accusations against Syria and those who actually help its people. This indicates the politicized approach of the mechanism, which is meant to be unbiased and impartial. The fact that the Commission toes in line with the Western narrative is confirmed by the use of the term "regime" in relation to the legitimate Syrian authorities.

We regret the lack of due attention to the problems that became a true obstacle to promotion and protection of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic. We are talking about foreign occupation, external support of illegal armed groups, patronage of terrorists, sanctions that impede all reconstruction processes, Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure, politicization of the humanitarian agenda in order to encourage separatism and territorial division in Syria.

We consider such behavior unacceptable.