QATAR’S principled position on the crisis in Syria and elsewhere in the region is based on its belief in the rule of law and respect for human dignity and international laws. Doha has championed a political solution to the conflict which has killed more than 380,000 people and driven millions from their homes since 2011. Addressing the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reiterated the State of Qatar’s firm stance that the only way to end the Syrian crisis is a political solution based on the Geneva Communique (1) and the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2254. Qatar also affirmed that it will continue, with the international community, to support efforts to realise justice and hold accountable the perpetrators of atrocities, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Syria. H H the Amir said that after more than nine years of unprecedented human tragedies, it is still impossible to reach an end to this crisis due to the intransigence of the Syrian regime and the inaction of the international community, especially, the Security Council, in assuming its duty to maintain international peace and security and protect civilians. While Qatar seeks a political solution to the crisis, it is also engaged in relief efforts to support the civilians displaced due to the conflict. At the UN, H H the Amir said Doha would continue providing all forms of support and assistance to the brotherly Syrian people in areas of displacement and refuge till the end of this crisis. Qatar has also voiced its strong condemnation of the human rights violations committed in Syria, especially those revealed by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic in the areas that returned to the control of the Syrian government forces. Speaking during an interactive dialogue with the commission at UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Qatar’s representative said military operations, indiscriminate bombing, killing, arrest, demolition of homes, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, prevention of individuals from returning to their homes and the prevention of freedom of movement continue. This situation has also affected people’s ability to access healthcare, education and other services, and exercise their basic rights. Conclusions reached by the commission in its report require the international community to exert more serious and effective efforts to ensure accountability and end the state of impunity for crimes committed against the brotherly Syrian people.
