Mr President,

This statement is on behalf of a group of countries.

We commend the Commission of Inquiry’s continued work in shining light on large-scale, systematic, and arbitrary or unjust detentions and related violations and abuses. This is crucial for ensuring accountability.

We deplore the fact that tens of thousands of Syrians are estimated to have been subjected to arbitrary and incommunicado detention. Torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual and gender-based violence, have been reported on an alarming scale, and continue to this day. We strongly condemn deaths, torture, and abuse of detainees in Syrian government facilities, and recall the Commission’s clear assessment that the rights of detained persons have not been respected throughout the conflict.

Tens of thousands of families continue to live with the anguish caused by not knowing the whereabouts of their loved ones. The survivors of detention will live with the scars of mental and physical harm endured.

Mr President,

The Syrian regime and all parties must cease such practices; release unjustly detained Syrians; clarify the fate of the missing; ensure that appropriate access is granted for independent and humanitarian monitoring organisations and hold those responsible to account.

Finally, we reiterate our call for a sustainable and comprehensive political solution for Syria in line with Security Council Resolution 2254.