HRC52 – Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic
Geneva, 21 March 2023
 
National statement
delivered by
 
H.E. Ms. Ravesa Lleshi
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania in Geneva
 
 
Mr. President,
 
I wish to express Albania’s deepest condolences to all those impacted by the devastating earthquakes that hit Syria in early February. It was yet another tragedy for people already ravaged by twelve years of conflict and displacement.
 
Albania reiterates its strong support for the Commission of Inquiry. We thank the members of the Commission for their latest report, which documents ongoing violations of human rights and humanitarian law throughout the country.
 
It is a grim account of atrocities that follow long-established patterns and increasing insecurity. It is an account that begins with the overwhelming violence unleashed by the Syrian Government to quell the aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom and dignity. An account of twelve years of widespread and systematic violations and abuses of nearly every core human right, with little or no accountability for the crimes against humanity and war crimes perpetrated by the parties to the conflict. And yet, genuine accountability and reform are imperative for Syria to move toward a stable, prosperous and just future for all her people.
 
The consequences of this war will be with Syria for years to come. We strongly support the creation of a new mechanism to clarify the fate of those missing and disappeared in Syria, putting an end to the prolonged suffering of hundreds of thousands of family members.
 
I thank you.