UN Transcripts — https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/80/77
General Assembly: 77th plenary meeting, 80th session — General Assembly — 15 April 2026
Language: en
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GA · PGA [0:02]:

Good morning. The 77th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The Assembly will consider sub-item of agenda item 31, entitled Prevention of Armed Conflict. The documentation under this item is listed in the Journal of the United Nations. I will now make a statement as the President of the General Assembly. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, allow me to extend a warm welcome to the head of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism, Mr. Robert Pitti. Good morning, sir. And allow me to commend the work undertaken by the mechanism to assist the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the most serious crimes committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011. During years of conflicts and decades of authoritarian rule of the Assad regime, the Syrian people have suffered some of the gravest crimes known to international law. I personally will never forget walking through the torture chambers in Sednaya prison just 4 weeks after the fall of the Assad regime, where as many as 13,000 were killed since 2011, and so many others tortured. When we were walking through it, I saw the worst things human beings can do to other human beings. Using an iron press to break human life. Electrocution. Systematic rape. And these horrors were committed at more than 100 other detention facilities run by the Assad regime, where ordinary people, teenagers, were imprisoned for simply speaking out against the regime, speaking out for their freedom. Human rights violations continued outside prison walls as citizens were subjected to enforced disappearance, rape, torture, systematic denial of food and water, and even extrajudicial killings, mainly perpetrated by the Assad regime but also by other groups. As we know of these violations because of the work of, for example, White Helmets, and other civil society and human rights organizations who risked their lives to gather evidence in the hope that justice would one day be served. In this context, the IIMIM was established by this Assembly in 2016 based on a simple conviction that even in the darkest hours, Evidence must be preserved. Truth must be protected. And impunity must end. Because without accountability for victims and survivors, there can be no justice. And without justice, there can be no lasting peace. So for a new Syria, cooperation with the IIIM instead of obstruction of justice is essential. In this context, I welcome the participation of Foreign Minister Assad al-Shabaini at last year's session and his recognition that without accountability, future conflict in Syria cannot be prevented. However, justice will not be secured in a single courtroom or single verdict. It is an accumulated process. A deliberate journey requiring truth-telling, reparations, institutional reform, and above all, political will. Because without genuine commitment from those in power to bring justice to everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or gender, even the best-designed mechanism will fall short of their promise. Against this backdrop, we find ourselves at a moment of cautious hope, one that demands clarity of purpose and clarity from all of us, commitment for justice. In this regard, I have two calls to make. First, to the Syrian government: A new chapter brings not only hope to millions of Syrians, but also responsibility to confront the past and build a future grounded in justice for all. That means justice for everyone and justice for all crimes. A victim is a victim, no matter the perpetrator, no matter the scale of the crime. Second to the international community and this Assembly, The support for the mechanism must not waver. Our engagement must remain principled, consistent, and anchored in the rights and dignity of every Syrian, no matter which religion, no matter which ethnicity or identity, no matter Sunni, Alawites, Christian, Druze, Kurds, and all others, no matter if a man or woman. At the same time, justice must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, supported internationally but grounded locally. But while justice starts with evidence and investigation, it will remain meaningless if prosecutions do not follow. Accountability for crimes against humanity and an end to impunity are top of our task. I am saying this not only because the Secretary-General, myself, and the President of the Security Council are travelling to The Hague this Friday for the anniversary of the ICJ and visiting the ICC, but I am saying this because history will judge us not simply by how we respond to war, but how we stood for peace that follows, and what we did to achieve justice and accountability for all. I thank you. Pursuant to Resolution 73/182 of December 17th, 2018, I give the floor to Mr. Robert Pitti, Head 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, to present the report of the mechanism.


IIIM · Head · Robert Pitti [7:14]:

Madame la Présidente.

Madame President of the General Assembly, Ambassadors one and all, dear delegates. It is an honor for me to address the General Assembly at a pivotal moment for Syria and for the international community's engagement in the fight against impunity and in the furtherance of transitional justice. A year ago, on the 8th of December, 2024, Syria saw the end of more than half a century of an authoritarian regime. Since then, new authorities have begun to establish the conditions in order to make it possible to hold accountable the perpetrators of the crimes committed under the former regime. These developments remain at an embryonic stage. However, they have introduced dynamics which did not previously exist. However, challenges do remain significant. The lack of legal and strategic frameworks with which to deal with the crimes of the past fuels frustration and is producing growing expectations on the part of Syrians where justice is concerned. Elsewhere, The grave violations continue to be reported in a number of regions of the country, and this reminds us of the fact that there is a great deal to be done before justice is achieved. Over the past year, progress in terms of justice for the crimes perpetrated in Syria have been brought about not only by proceedings brought abroad, but also through measures established within the country itself. New institutions, namely the National Commission for Transitional Justice, have begun to work on documentation, the preservation of evidence, and the consultation of victims and survivors. Ministries of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior have apprehended thousands of alleged suspects and safely secured a part of the millions of pages of documents produced by the former regime. Despite the fact that these developments remain limited, they are genuine and harbingers of hope. It is against this backdrop that the mechanism continues to engage in ongoing dialogue with the victims, survivors, and Syrian civil society. Their longstanding commitment and their efforts to document events are crucial to understand what the Syrians expect from a justice process, one which must truly belong to them. Their contribution is our lodestar. Their work guides ours and helps us to guarantee that work to bring about transitional justice remains anchored in the realities that they live day to day and that it continues to uphold the priorities that they have been championing for years. The development of the situation in Syria has had tangible and immediate effects for the mechanism. For the first time since the mechanism's inception, we were able to travel to Syrian territory and hold regular discussions with the authorities. This progress is arriving, however, at a time in which legal and institutional guarantees that are crucial remain incomplete, and this is specifically true when it comes to conditions necessary for a fair trial and the lack of sufficient guarantees regarding the possible use of the death penalty in the future. These facts have a direct impact on the possibility for cooperation, which is entirely in line with our mandate. In spite of the above, and in view of these challenges, the mechanism has submitted to the Syrian government several proposals for technical assistance and cooperation across all facets of the mechanism's mandate. These proposals relate namely to the documentation of crimes linked to the detention sites of the Bashar al-Assad regime. They also relate to the use of chemical weapons, to the preservation and management of evidence, to witness protection and support, and to the possibility of conducting investigative work in Syria in support of legal proceedings brought abroad. All of these offers have recently been brought together in a letter of intent that has been submitted to the Syrian authorities for their consideration. However, many of these proposals, including the authorization to establish a presence of the mechanism on the ground, have yet to receive a response. At the same time, the mechanism continues to receive a colossal and growing number of requests for assistance from third-party jurisdictions. That is a sign of the trust that magistrates and prosecutors have in our investigative work, as well as our analytical and documentation work. On the 31st of January 2026, we had in total received 544 requests for aid coming from 17 countries. 107 of these were new requests for assistance received during this specific reporting period. To date, the mechanism has been able to respond to 265 requests for assistance in investigations, and several of our efforts have led to trials. But what I'm saying today reflects a new reality. We've had a year of commitment and engagement from Syria. We've worked together with the Syrian authorities. That cooperation has grown, but it remains limited on an operational level. This has been a year in which victims, survivors, and the Syrian civil society have continued to call for complete, comprehensive, inclusive justice for the crimes of the past and the violations of human rights that continue. This has been a year in which the first stages of the prosecution aspects of transitional justice have begun to become a reality, but progress here remains limited. This has been a year in which expectations in terms of accountability and justice have grown, as have the responsibilities incumbent upon this Assembly, the Syrian authorities, and the mechanism.

Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. The year 2025 marked the first full year in which the IIIM was able to engage directly and regularly with the Syrian authorities. The IIIM conducted monthly missions in Syria, enabling sustained exchanges with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, and the national commissions. These discussions took place in a context where expectations for accountability have risen. While the draft Transitional Justice Law is still under review, the People's Assembly has not yet been fully established, and existing criminal procedures do not expressly address core international crimes. This limited clarity on the respective roles and responsibilities of emerging institutions further complicates full cooperation, a concern also raised by civil society. Throughout 2025, dialogue with the authorities progressed from introductory meetings to more substantive discussions. Engagement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs helped clarify procedural expectations, and the need for structured cooperation. Discussions with the National Commission for Transitional Justice revealed both its ambitions and the constraints that currently limit its effectiveness, including the need for coherent coordination among national institutions, technical expertise across all pillars of transitional justice, and financial and human resources. A significant step toward cooperation occurred in February 2026, when the Syrian authorities authorized the Mechanism to undertake, for the very first time, investigative work on Syrian territory. During the mission, the Mechanism was granted access to a detention facility well-renowned for the atrocities committed there. This access allowed the mechanism to assist in the preservation of evidence for justice purposes in the requested jurisdictions, but also in Syria. Further, days ago, we received permission to post an evidence officer of the IIIM in Damascus to support the National Commission for Transitional Justice information management efforts. While positive, there is more that the Mechanism can do to support accountability efforts in Syria, as detailed in the draft Memorandum of Understanding that the Mechanism submitted to Syria earlier this week, as mentioned. Over the past year, the Mechanism has further submitted multiple proposals through notes verbales to support national efforts for information and evidence management with establishing secure digital archives, to build capacity in investigation and analytical processes. The mechanism has also requested to deploy a liaison officer to coordinate and offered a second evidence management officer, as well as renewed its request to be allowed to establish a field office for the mechanism in Syria. These proposals remain pending. This engagement with Syrian institutions has been complemented by continued cooperation with Syrian civil society, victims and survivors. Civil society actors stressed to us the need for transparent processes and credible safeguards, and reiterated that international justice, including the work of the IIIM and ongoing universal jurisdiction proceedings, remain essential for Syrians at this stage. As encouraged by Resolution 80/224, we invite the Syrian authorities and other Member States to enable the IIIM to support Syria's transitional justice effort. Madam President, Excellencies, as our engagement in Syria has expanded, one constant has guided our work: victims and survivors. Throughout our activities in 2025, civil society organizations and victims and survivors expressed the same message: that justice must not be selective, nor evolve into a process that recognizes the suffering of some while overlooking the suffering of others. Their work has been essential in identifying evolving concerns and priorities related to justice, and they have constantly emphasized the importance of transparency, the protection for those engaging with these processes, and the meaningful participation of victims, survivors, and civil society. Exchanges have also highlighted the risks that continue to affect documentation and the urgency of preserving evidence that still remain at risk of loss or deterioration. During one of those meetings, a Syrian survivor described to me me how the conflict had taken both of her brothers. One tortured and killed in a detention facility under the former regime. The other executed by ISIL. She asked how any future process could ask her to choose which loss mattered more. Her question captures what impartiality means in practice. A justice process that acknowledges all harms without hierarchy and that allows victims and survivors to speak to the totality of their experience. In this context, the Mechanism's victim and survivor-centered approach is not only a methodological choice, it's a requirement for a credible transitional justice process. Insights gathered from victims, survivors, and civil society have therefore informed our work with every jurisdiction and shaped the technical assistance proposals we have submitted. They have also continued to guide the work within our strategic lines of inquiry and our thematic strategies, including our Gender Strategy and other aspects of our inclusive justice framework. Ensuring that the mechanisms work reflects the diverse experience of women, girls, boys, men, and underrepresented groups affected by Syria's international crimes. As Syria moves through a complex transition, sustained cooperation with victims and survivors remains essential. The Triple I Am is ready to support these efforts and assist them in building foundations for a justice process that is impartial and inclusive. Madam President, Excellencies, during the 14-year conflict, more than 500,000 Syrians were killed. At least 155,000 were disappeared. 200,000 of those killed were killed during unlawful attacks. Thousands, probably even tens of thousands, of women were subjected to sexual violence, and more than 1,500 people including 200 children, were killed in chemical weapons attacks. These figures show the scale of crimes committed against the Syrian population and the level of truth and accountability that any justice process must be able to confront. In 2025, the IIIM processed nearly 100 new evidence datasets and continued to develop analytical products within its lines of inquiry to support accountability. This work is reflected in all the proceedings that the IIIM supports. Cooperation with jurisdictions conducting extraterritorial prosecutions for atrocities committed in Syria is an integral part of transitional justice for Syrians. In addition to its support of Syrian-led transitional justice efforts, the IIIM stands ready to work with Syrian institutions— and mechanism to conduct investigations in response to requests from extraterritorial prosecutions, while incorporating best practices for the protection and support of witnesses and victims. Finally, the mechanism works with the Double IMP, OACHR, the Commission of Inquiry, and the Office of the Special Envoy to ensure that our complementary mandates support each other— and that our efforts are coordinated. Madam President, Excellencies, To meet this expectation, sustained support from Member States is indispensable. The IIAM's ability to meet growing accountability needs in Syria and through competent jurisdictions depends on adequate resources, technical cooperation, and political support. Member States can help by ensuring that the mechanism's regular budget reflects its increased workload. Without sufficient staffing and resources, the IIIM cannot conduct its evidence collection, preservation, and analytical work effectively, cannot respond in a timely manner to requests for assistance concerning ongoing investigations, and it cannot provide protection and psychosocial support to victims, survivors, and witnesses, including relocation in cases of serious threats. Finally, Member States can help safeguard the integrity of the IIIM's mandate by ensuring that cooperation, information, and evidence practices, investigations, and prosecutions align with international legal standards and the rights of victims and survivors. The scale and complexities of the crimes committed in the Syrian Arab Republic require a collective commitment to justice that is impartial, inclusive, and comprehensive. Syria and other Member States should encourage and facilitate the operationalization of the IIIM with Syrian national institutions. Madam President, Excellencies, As Syria enters a new and yet uncertain phase of transition, one constant remains: Justice cannot take root without sustained commitment, adequate resources, and structures capable of recognizing all victims and all crimes. For this to succeed, continued engagement is needed from Syrian institutions, civil society, victims and survivors, and from Member States. Your support will determine whether documentation is preserved rather than lost, how professional capacities can grow, and whether systems can be put in place that genuinely reflect the needs and priorities expressed by victims and survivors. That is why support for criminal proceedings outside and inside Syria is indispensable. Not only to transitional justice, but also to prevent the cycles of retaliation and fostering the conditions in which national institutions can operate with resilience and public trust—foundations that are essential for sustainable peace in Syria. The IIIM functions as a quasi-war crimes unit for Syria, and it is ready to work with all actors committed to impartial, inclusive, and victim-centered justice. With your support, the Foundation can be led for a Syrian-led accountability process that contributes not only to truth and justice, but to the prospects of reconciliation and lasting peace and security. Je vous remercie.


GA · PGA [26:26]:

I thank the head of the mechanism. Before proceeding further, I wish to recall my letter on time management and speaking limits. Circulated to delegations on January 6th, 2026. During this debate, speakers are encouraged to adhere to the time limit of 7 minutes for statements made on behalf of a group of states and 5 minutes for delegations speaking in their national capacity. To assist delegations in managing their time, a countdown clock will be displayed on the screen and you will hear a little sound. I thank you for your cooperation. In this regard, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.


Syrian Arab Republic [27:24]:

Madam President, ladies and Gentlemen, Your Excellencies, I speak before you from this global rostrum in the Arabic language because our message today, although addressed to the international community, is directed first and foremost to the people of Syria, to the mothers of the martyrs, to the families of the missing, the survivors of prisoners and massacres, and to everyone who carries In their heart, an open Syrian wound, a wound that is open to both hope and pain at the same time. The fallen Assad regime committed crimes against Syrians that bring shame to humanity—systemic killing, torture, enforced disappearance, starvation, displacement, using prohibited weapons, grave violations whose effects remain etched into the bodies, the homes, and the national memory. We stand here today in this hall and we humbly invoke the souls of the innocent Syrian martyrs. We extend a tribute of loyalty to all victims, survivors, and the families of the missing We affirm that their sacrifices will not be left to oblivion. Rather, they will remain a constant call for truth, for accountability, and for justice. I say that this tragedy has become even more present to me in my soul when last week I was among our heroic people in Douma and in Khan Shaykhun to commemorate the chemical attacks that were perpetrated in April. This commemoration was not merely a revisiting of the past; rather, it was a direct confrontation with the pain that is still alive, a confrontation of a reality that has not left the faces or the memories or the place itself. But at the same time, as I said during these events in Syria, before the families of the martyrs and the survivors, men and women, I repeat these words before you too at this international platform. The Syrian people, have triumphed over those who have wronged them. We are here today, government and people, inside Syria and outside Syria, and we say that we will not rest until those who committed these atrocities have received their due punishment. The crimes perpetrated against the Syrians are not simply a page forgotten by history. Building peace in Syria cannot be founded on forgetting or denial or bypassing the blood, the pain, and the rights of the Syrians— of Syrian men and women. The Syrian government views transitional justice as a choice that is sovereign, that is national, and that is moral— a choice from which there is no turning back. Madam President. Based on this conviction, the National Commission for Transitional Justice, and in full coordination with and with the support of the Syrian government, it continues serious institutional work that is driven by responsibility and compelled by sense of duty. And this includes efforts to uncover the truth and prepare files for case accountability and strengthen the legal and judicial capacity We continue to open centers for recovery and reparations to preserve the national memory and to propose the legal and institutional reforms necessary to prevent recurrence so that this path remains connected to victims, reflecting their aspirations and guided by their right to truth and to justice. We take pride in the work taken by competent national institutions to pursue criminals, to initiate investigations, and to frame this national track with a comprehensive law on traditional justice that is based on a non-negotiable principle, namely there will be no impunity. There will be no immunity in the face of grave crimes or atrocities. At the same time, Our commitment to this path does not mean that we would overlook the magnitude of the burdens that weigh upon us. We are operating amid major challenges—security challenges, institutional challenges, and social ones—amid limited resources and a heavy legacy that has been left behind by years of war and violations. And despite this, we are aware of the weight of this legacy. And this does not lead us to hesitate. Rather, it leads us to redouble our efforts. Madam President, talk of preventing the outbreak of conflict in Syria cannot be achieved without addressing Israel's ongoing violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. What justice do we seek and what stability do we aspire to as Israel continues to to attack Syria in a manner that undermines international law. Since December 8th, 2024, Israel has escalated its military operations inside Syria through airstrikes, through ground operations and repeated incursions accompanied by civilian casualties, the displacement of the population, the destruction of homes, of property and public infrastructure. The arbitrary detention of persons and the imposition of restrictions on the fundamental freedoms of Syrians—these violations not only infringe upon Syria's sovereignty, but also undermine efforts aimed at consolidating stability and preventing renewed conflict. We, and in every forum, will shed light on the rights of Syrian men and women that are being violated by this occupation. Madam President, the new Syria has chosen to open up to the international community in a responsible and serious manner. It chose to engage positively with relevant international mechanisms and institutions, including the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria and the International Impartial Independent Mechanism, and the OPCW and other relevant rights and legal bodies. Accordingly, we stress our keen interest in the efforts of the IIIM, particularly as it marks its 10th anniversary this year. We appreciate Mr. Robert Petit, the head of the mechanism. We thank him for his briefing, for his work, and for the efforts of his team. We value the efforts of the states that established this mechanism and supported it and stood by the Syrian people in their ordeal. We look forward to working together in a coherent national process led by trained Syrian institutions and supported by responsible international partnerships. Madam President, transitional justice must not be understood as a legal process that's isolated from the conditions of life. At its core, it is a comprehensive national path that is connected to upholding justice for victims, to rebuilding devastated communities, to restoring trust, and to creating the conditions for recovery. Truth cannot be separated from dignity. Accountability cannot be separated from reconstruction, nor can reparations be separated from the restoration of life. Therefore, supporting transitional justice in Syria should be coupled with support for recovery, for reconstruction, for the restoration of services, and for the creation of conditions for a dignified life. Here we emphasize that the national effort on missing efforts led by the National Commission on Missing Persons in Syria This work closely complements the transitional justice track because determining the fate of the missing is not merely a humanitarian matter. It is an integral part of the right to truth and to rights and to justice for families and for rebuilding trust between the state and society. We also look forward to support from the international community for Syria in this sensitive humanitarian file. Before concluding, Madam President, The international community is called upon today to be a responsible partner in consolidating this path by supporting Syrian national efforts, empowering specialized institutions, exchanging expertise, and strengthening the mechanisms for documentation and accountability. Supporting transitional justice in Syria requires direct and tangible support to to Syrian national institutions to enhance their capacity so that they are able to carry out their responsibilities in accountability, in truth-seeking, in reparations, and in reforms. No state, whether deliberately or inadvertently, must provide a safe haven for those who committed crimes or were involved in grave violations. What the world is witnessing today In terms of the turbulence that the world is witnessing today, and despite what has affected the international system and the principles of international law and the shakes that they have suffered, Syria continues to pursue justice and uphold rights and remains committed to its responsibility to build peace on the foundations of truth, accountability, and justice. Therefore, preserving Syria's stability and supporting The path of transitional justice and curbing Israeli violations is not simply a Syrian national matter, but an issue of significant regional and international importance which requires clear and sincere support from everyone. In closing, Syria today is no longer captive to a phase that was weighed down by denial and sealed by impunity. It has begun transitioning into a new phase that is based on acknowledging the truth, on opening the path towards accountability, and embarking on a path of national justice that is worthy of the sacrifices and suffering of Syrian women and men. This transition does not mean that the wounds have healed, but it does mean that the direction has changed and that Syrian will has been established firmly. We want for Syria to move from an era of catastrophe to an era of healing, from a legacy of devastation to a horizon of recovery. This is the duty that we undertake before our people. We have the right— they have the right to expect us to carry this path to the end. It is a national course that we hope will be seriously understood and responsibly supported by the international community so that they would do justice to a proud and patient people who have made sacrifices that make them deserving of justice, recovery, peace, and prosperity. I thank you.


GA · PGA [39:19]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. Before proceeding further, I would again strongly encourage everyone to adhere to the time limit of 7 minutes for statements made on behalf of group of states and 5 minutes for delegations speaking in their national capacity, also in line with our discussion around UNAD and in respect to everyone being heard. Having said this, we move on on our speakers list. I now give the the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, followed by Estonia and Australia.


Bahrain · GCC [40:17]:

The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council would like to express their gratitude to Mr. Robert Petit, head of the IIIM mechanism, for the second report, which is exhaustive. It covers exhaustively the developments and activities undertaken by the mechanism covering the most serious crimes committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011. The GCC underscores the importance of transitional justice as a fundamental pillar for national reconciliation to make sure that the conflict does not reoccur. We welcome what is in the report as regards to positive developments— for example, the extension of assistance to national authorities and reactions to various requests for assistance. This confirms the importance of the mandate the mechanism has. We also welcome and pay tribute to the efforts made by the mechanism so as to prepare the files, actionable files. This makes it easier to pursue justice internationally and contributes towards the implementation of justice. We also Welcome. The developments on cooperation with national authorities when it comes to institutional dialogue, exchange of information, and providing technical and legal support so as to facilitate carrying out of justice whilst fully respecting the national sovereignty. And the need to make sure that this process is conducted by the Syrians themselves. This helps consolidate the advances of justice through this cooperation. It promotes the independence of judicial authorities in carrying out comprehensive and lasting justice. We also welcome the approach undertaken by the mechanism which brings in the survivors and the victims into this, as well as civil society. And this is to identify the needs. The GCC states affirm the need to rise to the challenges that the mechanism is facing, in particular when it comes to the level of resources, which is insufficient. Mechanism, in fact, needs to be able to discharge its mandate as best as possible and help the national authorities to carry out transitional justice within the country to make sure that international justice standards are upheld. We firmly support international efforts and regional efforts being made when they are aimed to safeguard the independence and sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria by emphasizing the principle of accountability. It's a sine qua non prerequisite for reconciliation. To conclude, we'd like to say the GCC calls the international community to continue supporting the mechanisms to help them contribute towards the discharging of justice and putting an end to impunity. I thank you for your attention.


GA · PGA [43:51]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries.


Estonia · Nordic Baltic countries [44:22]:

Madam President, distinguished delegates, I have the honor to speak on behalf of 8 Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Estonia. We welcome the 12th report of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria and express our sincere appreciation for its continued work and vital contribution to accountability efforts at a decisive moment for Syria. We commend Mr. Robert Petit for his leadership and insightful presentation. In the wake of the country's political transition, the Mechanism's work remains indispensable. We welcome that for the first time since the establishment of the Mechanism, Syrian authorities have cooperated with it. We note their efforts to initiate investigations and proceedings against alleged perpetrators as important indications that concrete steps are taken towards achieving justice. We encourage the Syrian Arab Republic to join the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. While much remains to be done, continued collaboration with the mechanism and sustained international support will be essential to advance accountability. Strengthen institutional reform and uphold the rule of law. Close coordination between international mechanisms and emerging Syrian institutions is essential. Such complementarity is key to a coherent and credible accountability system. We remain strong supporters of the mechanism, as well as the Commission of Inquiry and the independent institution on missing persons. The Mechanism's continued efforts to strengthen its Central Evidence Repository, including the processing of 96 new items in 2025, are noteworthy. This core function—organizing, safeguarding, and analyzing evidence in accordance with criminal law standards—helps ensure that the conditions necessary for justice are preserved. Numerous convictions and cases, including a recent landmark case in Sweden that was made possible through cooperation with the IIIM, underscore Mecanis' pivotal role in supporting justice. The Mecanis' commitment to a victim-centered justice process is commendable. Its ongoing engagement with victims, survivors, and with Syrian civil society ensures that those affected are treated as essential participants. Efforts to include gender-responsive analysis and youth perspectives further strengthen the mechanism's inclusiveness and legitimacy. We note with appreciation the mechanism's commitment to enhancing efficiency and prioritization, which aligns closely with the objectives of the UN Haiti Initiative. At the same time, we note with concern that the mechanism's resources have not increased since 2020, despite the growing workload and expanding demands. In this regard, we underscore that the mechanism should be provided with adequate and sustainable resources from the United Nations regular budget to enable it to fully and effectively implement its mandate. Accountability for serious violations of international law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, is a precondition for sustainable peace and development. Perpetrators of atrocities crimes must be brought to justice, not only to ensure justice for victims, but also to prevent and deter future violations. The Nordic Baltic countries support Our support to the mechanism and its indispensable work to achieve justice and fight against impunity remains firm. I thank you.


GA · PGA [48:28]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Estonia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia on behalf of Cairns, followed by the European Union and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.


Australia · CANZ [48:51]:

Thank you, President. I am pleased to speak today on behalf of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. We thank the head of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria, Mr. Robert Pitti, for your important briefing today. We recognize the efforts of Syria's Transitional Authority to stabilize and rebuild the country after 14 years of devastating conflict, including through work to restore basic services and infrastructure, establishing a National Commission for Transitional Justice, and seeking to re-establish Syria as a responsible partner on the global stage. We hope these positive steps will help build a more peaceful peaceful and inclusive future for all Syrians. However, as the mechanisms' report and other United Nations reporting makes clear, the situation in Syria remains fragile. The serious violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights that occurred throughout the conflict continue to cast a long shadow over Syria's future. Accountability for these actions is key to ensuring justice for victims and survivors, and is essential for Syria's long-term peace and stability. To this end, we reaffirm our strong support for the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism. We welcome the progress outlined in the latest report, including the mechanism's continued structural investigations, its expansion and preservation of evidence, and its growing cooperation with competent national jurisdictions. We welcome the establishment of the National Commission for the Missing as a valuable step towards justice— Syria's justice for victims and survivors. We must collectively support these Syria-led initiatives to achieve their mandates. We also welcome steps taken by the Syrian Transitional Authorities to address the Assad regime's chemical weapons program and the support the Syrian authorities have provided the mechanism in this regard. The increasing number of requests for assistance demonstrates the IIIM's ongoing relevance and value to international justice efforts. We welcome the mechanism's continued commitment to a victim and survivor-centered approach. Integrating gender-responsive and intersectional analysis across the mechanism's work is critical to ensuring inclusive justice, particularly for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. We also welcome the mechanism's ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and effectiveness, including continued engagement with other initiatives within the UN system to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication. President, as Syrians seek to shape a future free from violence and oppression, the international community has a responsibility to support a Syrian-led and inclusive transition. While ensuring accountability for past atrocities. The work of the mechanism remains indispensable in this regard and complements other accountability and transitional justice efforts, including initiatives addressing the fate and whereabouts of missing and disappeared persons. We stand steadfast in our support for the mechanism's mandate and call on all Member States to do the same, including through sustained political and financial support, as well as the sharing of valuable expertise. Accountability is critical for justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace for the Syrian people. Thank you.


GA · PGA [53:05]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union on behalf of the EU and its member states.


EU · EU [53:31]:

Thank you, President. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Georgia, as well as Armenia, Monaco, San Marino, and the United Kingdom, aligned themselves with this statement. The fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 marked a historic turning point, renewing hope for justice and accountability in Syria. In this context, the work of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria remains crucial, as emphasized by the General Assembly last December in its resolution on the situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic. We thank the head of the mechanism, Mr. Robert Pettit, for his leadership, and we welcome the mechanism's 12th report to the General Assembly. Outlining the important advances made over the past year. We are pleased to read in the report that after the head of the mechanism's initial mission to Damascus on December 21st, 2024, the first in over a decade, near-monthly visits took place throughout 2025 and early 2026, which enabled continuous dialogue with the new Syrian authorities. The EU welcomes such constructive cooperation and dialogue and calls on the Syrian Transitional Authority— authorities to formalize it by granting the mechanism an official presence in Syria in line with its mandate. We acknowledge the mechanism's efforts to expand its central repository of evidence, with 96 new evidence properties processed in 2014. 2025, as well as the 107 new requests for assistance received by the Mechanism during the reporting period, bringing the total to 544 requests from 17 competent jurisdictions. The breadth of activities and the continued increase in requests for assistance confirm once again the important role the Mechanism plays in the pursuit of accountability. The EU particularly commends the mechanism's commitment to inclusive justice, notably through its victim and survivor-centered approach, as well as efforts to integrate a child and youth perspective into its work. We also note the implementation of the mechanism's gender strategy and action plan. The mechanism's cooperation and consultation with affected communities, civil society actors, including victims and survivor associations ensures that their voices and priorities guide its effort— efforts. We also acknowledge the contribution of the mechanism to clarifying the fate and whereabouts of missing persons in Syria. In this regard, we note the memorandum of understanding between the mechanism and the Independent Institution on Missing Persons. More broadly, we underline the importance of ensuring cooperation among international mechanisms and between international and national mechanisms, namely the National Commissions for Transitional Justice and for Missing Persons. All these achievements are all the more remarkable given the concerning persistent resource constraints facing the mechanism. The mechanism's regular budget continues to be insufficient, which risks undermining its ability to to preserve evidence, support ongoing prosecutions, and engage effectively with Syrian institutions and civil society. The EU and its member states will continue to do their part. The EU remains a staunch supporter of the mechanism, both politically and financially, having allocated €3 million for the period 2025-2026. In this critical juncture, we call on all states is to increase financial support to the mechanism through both the regular budget of the UN and through voluntary contributions, ensuring it has the resources necessary to fulfill its mandate and meet the growing demands for assistance. President, the EU is committed to supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria, upholding the human rights of all Syrians without discrimination, —of any kind, including based on gender, ethnicity, or religion. We also support the country's recovery and reconstruction. And to that end, the EU lifted all economic restrictive measures on Syria as early as May 2025, with the exception of those based on security grounds and of the individual measures on Assad and his accomplices. Accountability and justice for victims are key for the success of these processes and essential for a stable and peaceful Syria. The EU is at the forefront of the fight against impunity in Syria, and we will continue supporting the mechanism, as well as the Commission of Inquiry and the Independent Institution on Missing Persons. As Syria advances on its transition, the international community must must stand united in its commitment to justice, accountability, and the rights of victims and survivors, and must ensure that the mechanism has the necessary resources and tools to carry out its crucial work. And I thank you.


GA · PGA [59:05]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.


Netherlands (Kingdom of the) · Benelux [59:23]:

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Benelux countries: Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We align ourselves with the statement just made by the European Union. And I would like to start by thanking Mr. Robert Pitti for presenting the annual report of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria. Please allow me to raise 3 points. First, I would like to refer to the Syrian authorities. The collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024 constituted a historic turning point, rekindling hope for justice, accountability, and a sustainable future for Syria. And in that light, we commend the Syrian authorities for establishing the National Commissions on Transitional Justice and on Missing Persons. These bodies play a crucial role in addressing past human rights violations and in clarifying the fate and whereabouts of those who remain missing. My second point serves to highlight the importance of Cooperation. Alongside the efforts at the national level by the Syrian authorities, the work of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria remains indispensable. Its mandate continues to be highly relevant in supporting accountability efforts. We welcome that for the first time in more than a decade, the mechanism engaged directly with the Syrian authorities last year. This constructive dialogue is an important step forward. We encourage the Syrian authorities to further institutionalize this cooperation by granting the mechanism authorization to establish a presence in Syria and to operate fully in line with its mandate. We further encourage cooperation between the IIIM, the Commission of Inquiry, the international community and the Syrian bodies, such as the National Commission on Transitional Justice and Missing Persons, as a shared effort towards accountability. And third, the mechanism cannot survive without the support of states. At this critical juncture, we call on all states to step up their financial support to the mechanism, both through the regular UN budget and through voluntary contributions. Ensuring adequate and predictable funding is essential for the mechanism to effectively carry out its mandate and respond to the increasing demand for its assistance. In conclusion, Mr. President, we are of the firm belief that there can be no peace without justice and no sustainable future without accountability for past atrocities. Only by confronting violations, ensuring redress for victims and survivors by putting their needs central, and holding perpetrators to account, lasting reconciliation will be achieved. Continued commitment to these principles is essential to build a stable, inclusive, and peaceful Syria for all its people. I thank you.


GA · PGA [1:02:39]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on behalf of the Benelux countries. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany.


Germany [1:03:06]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Germany aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and I would like to add a few additional remarks in national capacity. Mr. President, distinguished delegates, I had the honor to deliver my first statement as a DPR of Germany at this rostrum exactly 4 years ago on the very issue of IIIM. It was shortly after the conclusion of the now famous Koblenz court cases when a German court convicted a Syrian national under the principle of universal jurisdiction for his crimes against humanity. I said at the time that it is only the beginning and ultimately justice will prevail in Syria. And I remember very well the reaction of the representative of the Assad regime. He was sitting somewhere around here, right in front of the blast room. His reaction was simply smiling back. The times have changed. 15 months ago, on December 24th, the Assad regime finally fell. It was a historic moment for the Syrian people, the region, and for all of us. Syria has now embarked on a courageous new path towards a better future. It is a vision of Syria where human rights are for all Syrians, regardless of their ethnic background, their religion, or their gender. It is the essence of human rights fully respected for everyone. To make the ongoing political transition in Syria irreversible, the Syrian people deserve our full support. This also entails crucial international assistance for a meaningful Syrian-led transitional justice process. We express our sincere appreciation for the continued work of the International Impartial Independent Mechanism for Syria, and its head, Mr. Robert Pitti. Thank you very much for your leadership and for your presentation today. Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, IIIM has played a critical role in advancing justice and accountability for the most serious crimes and human rights violations. We welcome the significant progress made in the past months, as clearly expressed in the recent report. Mr. President, over the past years, Triple M has convincingly demonstrated its ability to serve victims and survivors by supporting criminal cases that bring perpetrators to justice around the world. To this day, Germany pursues criminal proceedings against perpetrators of severe human rights violations under the principle of universal jurisdiction. These important cases have been successfully concluded— also thanks to the substantial contribution of IIIM. We are extremely thankful for the close cooperation between IIIM and the German Federal Prosecutor General, and we are committed to continue working together on pending cases. Germany further welcomes the continued constructive engagement between the Government of Syria and IIIM, and particularly the close cooperation with the National Commission for Transitional Justice, as well as the Ministries of Justice and Interior. We also want to express our sincere appreciation to Syria for enabling IIIM for the first time to collect evidence inside the country for extraterritorial prosecution. Mr. President, for Syria to succeed on its way to justice, we collectively must assist Syria in strengthening national institutions. In this regard, we strongly welcome IIIM's readiness to provide technical assistance to Syrian justice institutions and to deploy its resources in support of national transition justice efforts. Germany has been a long-standing supporter of IIIM and of Syrian-led justice efforts, politically and financially. We stand ready to continue to offer our support and assistance to help further intensify the collaboration between Syria and IIIM, including through supporting the possible establishment of a dedicated presence of IIIM in Syria. In concluding, Mr. President, we believe this is a critical moment for justice in Syria. Germany will continue to support both IIIM and Syria on its way, and I'm pleased to announce today an additional voluntary contribution of Germany of €1 million in support of Triple M's important work in Syria. I thank you.


GA · PGA [1:07:39]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein.


Liechtenstein [1:07:56]:

Mr. President, the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 marked the end of a decade-long period of suffering, but also the beginning of profound changes for the Syrian people, offering the long-awaited opportunities to rebuild their society and freely determine their own future. These changes also bring challenges rooted in the system of oppression from the past and the necessity to reckon with a period of history marked by crimes against humanity through a robust transitional justice process. The international community can and should play a strong supportive role in addressing the collective trauma caused by these mass atrocities and in assisting efforts to rebuild trust and ensure that Syrian authorities work inclusively with all communities to prevent outbreaks of violence, such as in the southern governorate a few months ago. The launch of a national inquiry in this respect demonstrates the Syrian authorities' commitment to advancing accountability. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the creation of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria, a moment for us to reflect on how the IIIM, after years of successful work, can support progress towards sustainable peace in Syria rooted in accountability. The IIIM has served as a facilitator of justice, collecting information and evidence of the most serious crimes committed under international law. Its operational activities have substantively expanded to meet growing demand, as reflected in a significant increase in requests for assistance. This growth underscores not only the mechanisms— robust expertise and continued relevance, but also its increasing cooperation with Syrian authorities in the pursuit of justice. So President Liechtenstein commends the work accomplished by the mechanism under Mr. Robert Petit's leadership. Thanks to the Syrian authorities' assistance, the mechanism has begun conducting investigative activities in Syria in support of extraterritorial prosecutions. The mechanism has deepened its dialogue with the Syrian authorities and continued engaging with other relevant actors, creating the basis for close cooperation. It has visited Syria on a near-monthly basis. And engaged with relevant ministries, the National Commission for Transitional Justice, the Syrian National Commission for Missing Persons, and civil society. We are also pleased to note the increasing cooperation between UN agencies operating in Syria. Mr. President, under the principle of complementarity, the Syrian judiciary would ideally independently prosecute all all serious crimes committed in Syria. This is not possible due both to the scale at which crimes have been committed in the past and the state of the Syrian judiciary. In order to help build the required capacities, the international community and the relevant parts of the UN system can provide technical assistance and capacity building to help advance our common goal of a Syrian-owned and UN-supported path to justice for Syria. The mechanism will continue facilitating investigations of the most serious crimes while Syrian authorities receive capacity-building support enabling them to process more cases as their expertise grows. Similarly to other investigative bodies, the mechanism can only share evidence with competent jurisdiction that meet international human rights standards, including with respect to the death penalty. We encourage the Syrian authorities to continue expanding operational access for the IIIM and its presence on the ground. Mr. President, the realities on the ground continue to evolve not only in Syria Syria, but also in neighboring countries, in particular Lebanon. The violations of Syria's territorial integrity undermine stability in the country and in the broader region. Our work in support of Syria must be cognizant of these realities, and we have an obligation to ensure short-term stability for Syria, just as accountability remains of key importance for the long-term stability required for the Syrian people to secure the just and peaceful future that they have been waiting for and fighting to achieve for far too long. I thank you.


GA · PGA [1:13:08]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France, to be followed by Costa Rica, Ukraine, Croatia, and Qatar.


France [1:13:31]:

Monsieur le Président. Mr. President, I would like to first of all thank the head of the mechanism, Mr. Robert Petit, for his briefing. France associates itself with the statement made by the European Union. It stands side by side with Syrian men and women as they aspire for a peaceful and inclusive political transition that respects all components of their society. Far from going for vengeance, reconciliation must include justice, which is the key to lasting peace. The atrocities perpetrated by the Assad regime and by Daesh— the use of chemical weapons, killings, arbitrary detention, and forced disappearances, torture, and sexual violence— may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. The perpetrators must be held accountable, and the hundreds of thousands of victims must obtain recognition and reparations. In this fight against impunity, which is not limited to crimes of the past, the mechanism plays an essential role and can provide to Syria decisive support in the service of its people and in full respect of its sovereignty. Mr. President, the mechanism plays a key plays a key role in collecting and analysis of evidence, a prerequisite for effective justice that holds criminals accountable. The steadily increasing number of requests for assistance addressed to the mechanism and the expansion of its body of evidence demonstrate very well how relevant its mandate is and how important is its work. Around 20 jurisdictions throughout the world cooperate with the mechanism. For our part, France established a framework for judicial cooperation with the mechanism already as early as 2021. French courts rely on the mechanism's evidentiary material in numerous investigations. We pay tribute to the immense courage of Syrian civil society actors. Through their testimonies and their mobilization, they contribute to the work of the mechanism which puts victims at the heart of its approach in response to their quest for truth and justice. Mr. President, we encourage the Syrian authorities to strengthen their cooperation with the mechanism, and all member states to support the mechanism's work. We welcome the unprecedented dialogue established over the past 15 months between the mechanism and the Syrian authorities, as well as with the Syrian National Commission on Transitional Justice and Missing Persons. We also welcome the mechanism's regular visits to the country and the beginning of the very first joint investigations. We encourage the Syrian authorities to take the next step by authorizing the mechanism to establish a presence in the country with a view to supporting the Syrian justice systems as closely as possible to the field. More broadly, we call upon the Syrian authorities and all United Nations mechanisms engaged in the fight against impunity to deepen their cooperation while guaranteeing the participation of civil society in transitional justice mechanisms. The established expertise of the United Nations in strengthening the rule of law and transitional justice can serve national reconciliation efforts. And this is the thrust of the resolution on the human rights situation in Syria, which was adopted by this Assembly on December 18th last with an unprecedented level of support, including that of Syria itself, which we welcome. Mr. President, the fall of the Assad regime offers not just to the Syrian people an historic opportunity to rely on the recognized expertise of the United Nations to build a future grounded in justice, it also offers all United Nations member states the a chance to work collectively to ensure that wherever crimes are committed, justice is done. On this path towards the rule of law, the support of the mechanism established by the United Nations is crucial. I thank you.


GA · PGA [1:17:52]:

I thank the distinguished representative of France. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica.


Costa Rica [1:18:09]:

Mr. President, Costa Rica welcomes the 12th report of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria. This report confirms that even in contexts of wholesale political transformation, international Justice cannot wait, and it indeed has no waiting room. Accountability is both a legal and moral imperative. This mechanism stands today as one of its most concrete and effective expressions. As regards the report presented this morning, my delegation wishes to make three observations. Firstly, we wish to underscore the essential value of the mechanism as a guarantee motor of international criminal justice. Its work to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence, as well as its work to support legal proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, is critical in bringing— bridging the gap between the perpetration of atrocity crimes and the effective prosecution thereof. The fact the mechanism has responded to 544 requests from 17 jurisdictions, 107 requests in this reporting period alone, and the fact it has contributed to convictions in Sweden, Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands demonstrates that international justice can indeed move forward even when traditional avenues remain blocked. Secondly, Costa Rica demands that justice be equal in all cases. There can be no selectivity applied to or hierarchies established among victims. When justice chooses between its victims, it ceases to be justice. The victim and survivor-centered approach and a commitment to inclusive justice are at the very core of this mandate. These things are not negotiable. Thirdly, the report makes it clear that the context has changed. The dialogue with the new Syrian dial— authorities, rather, that is now possible did not exist 12 months ago. This opening of this new window of opportunity This opportunity has the potential to change the course of justice in Syria. However, this opportunity can only be harnessed if the mechanism has the necessary resources. The mechanism is today operating with a budget reduced to the— reduced by 14.5% compared to the previous year. There have been no increases to the budget since 2020, and the budget faces an estimated estimated shortfall of $7.5 million for 2026. Every budget cut is, in practice, a concession to impunity. Financing this mechanism is the most concrete test of the international community's commitment to justice. President Costa Rica reaffirms its decisive support for this mechanism. We firmly believe that there can be no lasting peace without justice, nor can there be reconciliation without accountability. The international community must uphold this principle. It must do so without exceptions, without selectivity, and without delay. This new window of opportunity has two roots. One is the political transition in Syria. The other is the 12 years of rigorous work done by the mechanism. With evidence preserved, archives built, and cases prepared, ready for when the moment arrives— or rather, would arrive. Long-term justice quietly builds what the future will require. Costa Rica invested in that vision and continues to do so. I thank you.


GA · PGA [1:22:24]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.


Ukraine [1:22:49]:

Thank you, Mr. President. The delegation of Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity. At the outset, Ukraine would like to express its sincere appreciation to the head of the international impartial and independent mechanism, Mr. Robert Petit, and his dedicated team for their continued professional and impartial work in advancing accountability for the most serious crimes committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since 2011. We welcome the 12th report of the mechanism and commend its sustained effort to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence. The mechanism's work is crucial in supporting national jurisdictions in their efforts to investigate to investigate and prosecute international crimes. We note the evolving situation in Syria and the increased opportunities it has created for accountability. In this regard, the mechanisms' expanded engagement and growing operational capacity are of particular importance. Ukraine strongly reiterates that accountability for international crimes is is not optional. It is a core requirement of international law and a necessary condition for the comprehensive, just, and lasting peace and justice for victims and survivors. We further underline the importance of the mechanism's continued victim- and survivor-centered approach, as well as its cooperation with national jurisdictions. Distinguished colleagues, ensuring accountability also serves as a deterrent. It sends a clear and universal message: perpetrators of the most serious international crimes will be held accountable, regardless of where and when such crimes are committed. This principle is more relevant than ever, as grave violations of international law persist including those committed by the Russian Federation in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Strengthening accountability mechanisms such as the IIIM reinforces the global understanding that impunity cannot and will not prevail, while also ensuring justice for victims and helping to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities. Atrocities. We also recall that Russian involvement in the commission of the most serious international crimes, as well as other internationally wrongful acts committed in Syria and against its people, has been documented through multiple independent findings and reports by relevant international mechanisms. Ensuring accountability for such crimes remains an unfinished task of international justice. While the— while the persistence of impunity continues to fuel further atrocities, as clearly demonstrated by Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Against this backdrop, Russia's well-documented history of the use of chemical weapons is particularly alarming. From the poisoning of Alexei Navalny Ansarhi and Yulia Skripal to Russia's support for the Assad regime's chemical attacks against civilians. Today in Ukraine, Russia continues to deploy toxic chemicals and riot control agents as methods of warfare, in clear violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and international law. Ukraine regularly submits relevant evidence to the OPCW, and 3 OPCW reports have confirmed that such evidence was collected and transmitted in full compliance with chain of custody requirements and established procedures, underscoring the urgent need to ensure timely attribution of the confirmed use of riot control agents as a method of warfare. In this regard, we must ensure the international responsibility for— of perpetrators, justice for victims and survivors in accordance with international law, and non-repetition of such acts. Ukraine reaffirms its strong support for the mechanism and its mandate. Justice must prevail. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President.


GA · PGA [1:27:42]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Croatia, to be followed by Qatar, Austria, Italy, and Hungary.


Croatia [1:28:06]:

Thank you, Mr.

President. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and its member states, and I would like to add some remarks in my national capacity. We thank the Head of International Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria, Mr. Robert Pattie, for presenting the 12th report, and we commend him and his team for their continued dedication and tireless efforts. Distinguished delegates, the reporting period has been marked by profound changes in Syria. The evolving political context has enabled direct engagement between the mechanism and Syrian state institutions. This represents an important step forward and offers renewed hope for tangible progress towards justice and accountability. Croatia is closely following this transition. We consider it a historic opportunity to break the cycle of violence and impunity and to lay the foundations for sustainable peace. Our own experience demonstrates that justice, truth, and reconciliation are indispensable elements of long-term stability. In this regard, we welcome the deepening dialogue between the mechanism and the new Syrian authorities, including cooperation with national institutions addressing transitional justice and missing persons. We encourage further steps to formalize this cooperation, including by enabling the mechanism to establish a presence in Syria in line with its mandate. The report clearly demonstrates that the mechanism continues to play a crucial role in the fight against impunity. The growing number of requests for assistance underscores both the increasing demand for its work and the confidence it has earned among judicial authorities. We particularly commend the mechanism's contribution to clarifying the fate and whereabouts of missing persons, including through its cooperation with relevant international bodies. For Croatia, a country that has been a victim of aggression itself, with 1,740 of its citizens still missing, the issue remains a humanitarian priority. It also remains of critical importance not only for the families concerned but also for broader societal reconciliation. At the same time, we share concerns regarding the persistent financial constraints facing the mechanism. Mr. President, Croatia strongly supports a comprehensive process of stabilization and reconstruction Syria. During the visit of the Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs to Syria in September 2025, Croatia expressed its support for ongoing stabilization efforts and welcomed the positive steps taken towards recovery. Croatia sincerely hopes that the Syrian people will successfully overcome the current challenges and rebuild stable and inclusive state that guarantees protection for all its citizens regardless of gender, ethnic, or religious affiliation. We also remain committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees, including through projects and funding in neighboring countries such as Jordan and Lebanon. In conclusion, accountability and justice remain essential pillars of any sustainable peace. The international community must remain united in its support for the Meccan mechanism and a broader accountability architecture in Syria, and Croatia remains firmly committed to these efforts. I thank you.


GA · PGA [1:31:41]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Croatia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar.


Qatar [1:32:12]:

Mr.

President, at the outset, we'd like to thank you for convening today's meeting. We express our appreciation to Mr. Robert Pitti Haiti, head of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism, for his valuable participation and for presenting the 12th report. We commend him and his team for their important efforts. Mr. President, the State of Qatar, since assuming a pioneering role along with Liechtenstein, has— in the efforts that led to the establishment of the IIIMM, Qatar has taken care to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 by the former Syrian regime— by the former regime, corrects the speaker. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the mechanism's establishment by the General Assembly, and since its inception, the State of Qatar has provided the mechanism with financial contributions exceeding $2.5 million in support of the implementation of its mandate. Mr. President, we welcome what the report notes in terms of the regular contact maintained by the mechanism throughout 2025 with the government of the Syrian Arab Republic. And we note that it has deepened its dialogue with the new Syrian authorities on support for Syrian-led accountability processes. Here we commend the extensive cooperation and responsiveness demonstrated by the Syrian authorities towards the IIIM. We commend the Syrian government's commitment to justice and accountability as reflected in the establishment of national institutions such as the National Commission for Transitional Justice and the National Commission for Missing Persons. This comes in addition to the Syrian government's practical and tangible steps to engage with and cooperate with various international and UN bodies. This reflects a desire to play a positive role at multiple levels to ensure security and stability and to promote human rights. In closing, Mr. President, the State of Qatar reaffirms its unwavering commitment to its continued support for the IIIM in a manner that is consistent with our firm belief in the principles of accountability and in ending impunity for core international crimes and violations of international law, including crimes committed in Syria by the former regime. We affirm our continued support for the government of the Syrian Arab Republic and its commendable efforts to fulfill the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people for justice, the rule of law, stability, and sustainable peace. I thank you.


GA · PGA [1:35:20]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Qatar. I now have the honor to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria.


Austria [1:35:51]:

President, Excellencies, Austria fully aligns with the statement of the European Union. It is Austria's firm belief that our international order must be based on international law and the rule of law. A fundamental pillar of rule of law is accountability for the most serious crimes under international law. Without such accountability, there can be no sustainable peace and no proper reconciliation. That is why the work of IIIM is so important. Austria welcomes host today's debate, and we thank Mr. Robert Pity and his team for their work. As rightly mentioned in their report, we are witnessing a significant change in the Syrian Arab Republic following the end of the Assad regime. We are encouraged that avenues between the AAAAM and the Transitional Authorities were opened for cooperation that had previously been inaccessible. We're also hopeful that there can be enhanced Syrian-led justice efforts. And in addition, we encourage the Syrian government to formally allow the mechanism to establish a field office in Damascus to maximize its operational work. Mr. President, Austria has been a strong supporter of the IIIN since its establishment in 2016. And I can add in a personal capacity that I have supported this continuous support in, in my, in my last job over many years. In addition to our political support, Austria has provided substantial and continuous financial support over many years. And in recognition of the increased financial needs of the AAAAM in light of the new situation, we have now increased our contributions for 2020— 2025 and 2026. Austria has a keen interest in a secure and stable environment for all Syrians within the country, and also to allow for safe and dignified return of those who had to flee their homes. Through our embassy in Damascus, which remained operational Throughout the conflict, we have constantly advocated for the respect of human rights and the protection of the civilian population. Austria has granted asylum status to a significant number of Syrian refugees fleeing prosecution by the Assad regime. Our engagement for a just and peaceful future of Syria is genuine. It's not empty words. President, accountability for the most serious crimes under international law remains a priority for Austrian foreign policy. Those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity must be held accountable. Victims deserve justice. So do the people of Syria as a whole. I thank you.


GA · PGA [1:39:03]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Austria. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy.


Italy [1:39:27]:

Mr.

President, Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the European Union, and would like to add some remarks in a national capacity. At the outset, we'd like to thank Mr. Robert Petit for his presentation, the 12th report contained in document A/80/650 related to the work of the mechanism in the period February 2025-January 2026. Mr. President, the Syrian people expect and deserve a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future for their country, and we welcome the efforts in that direction of the Syrian government. It is in this context that Italy wishes to reiterate its continued support for a Syrian-owned, Syrian-led, UN-facilitated political transition, and in this respect, we welcome the efforts reports of the Deputy UN Special Envoy Claudio Cordone. We are also convinced that accountability for the most serious crimes committed by any party, in particular war crimes and crimes against humanity, must be pursued in the framework of and in line with the national reconciliation process. Accountability for those horrendous crimes is not only a moral imperative, but also a deterrent of future violations and a fundamental element of any reconciliation process. In the new Syria, a meaningful transitional justice in which national ownership plays a key role will be essential for the Syrian people. In this regard, we welcome the establishment of the National Commission for Transitional Justice Justice, and the National Commission for the Missing as crucial steps towards this goal. It is in this spirit that Italy strongly supports the IIIM, together with the other UN bodies established for the purpose of accountability in Syria, such as the Commission of Inquiry, the OPWC Investigation and Identification Team, and the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic. It is a key mechanism for the collection, consolidation, preservation, analysis, and sharing of evidence of grave violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law. Mr. President, Italy is appreciative of the progress achieved by the Mechanism during the reporting period, and welcomes increasing engagement with between the Mechanism and national authorities in investigating and prosecuting the gravest crimes committed in Syria. Moreover, national prosecutions and sentences in several countries show that the impunity gap is narrowing. At the same time, we call on the Syrian authorities to ensure the full operation of the Mechanism on Syrian territory.— also with a view to building capacity and supporting efforts by Syrian courts and investigators. We note that requests to open a field office in Damascus and to deploy a liaison officer are still pending, and we invite the Syrian authorities to give prompt consideration to such requests. Mr. President, while the new political environment provides a unique opportunity for a peaceful and prosperous Syria, waves of internal violence fueled by conflicts in the broader region remain a deep concern. It is in this context that Italy wishes to express its appreciation for the efforts made by the mechanism to develop thematic strategies focused on vulnerable categories —on the basis of a victim-survivor-centred approach. Cooperation with civil society organizations within and outside Syria is of paramount importance in this respect. Inclusive justice for the Syrian people can be achieved only if the perspectives of those who have suffered the most from the conflict are taken on board. Finally, let me take this opportunity to reiterate that Italy supports the funding of the AAAAM through the regular UN budget and through voluntary contributions. It is essential that the mechanism can count on a regular UN financial endowment in order to plan and progress its work. Italy will continue to support within UN competent bodies and regular and adequate provision of funds for the mechanisms. I thank you.


GA · PGA [1:44:26]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Italy. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.


Switzerland [1:44:43]:

Merci, Monsieur le Président.

Thank you, Mr. President. The changes in Syria inspire hope, but of course, they also bring with them colossal challenges, beginning with those linked to the country's reconstruction and to the regional security situation. But the expectations of the Syrian people— they are part of a society that has suffered deep trauma in terms of accountability, and their expectations are higher than ever before. Their legitimate aspirations aspirations are for freedom, security, and dignity, and they can only become a reality if the perpetrators of grave violations of international law, including those of the last year, go unpunished, and if justice is not done for tens of thousands of victims. Against that backdrop, it is of the utmost importance that the international community—so that is all of us—continue to support to support accountability in Syria. And the IIIM plays a key role in this regard. It is in this spirit that Switzerland continues to support the mechanism with iron resolve, just as it has done since its inception 10 years ago. I wish to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Robert Petit, head of the mechanism, and his team for presenting the report. I congratulate the mechanism on the the substantive progress made over this past year. Switzerland also welcomes the important steps forward taken by the Syrian authorities to bring about accountability in spite of the difficult context. The creation of a National Commission for Transitional Justice is a crucial step in this transitional process. Switzerland commends the current productive dialogue between the mechanism and the Syrian Transitional Government. It is vital that the IIIM and the national institutions be able to work closely together. We encourage the Syrian authorities to increase this cooperation further still and to guarantee unfettered access and a formal authorization to the mechanism. This cooperation is a unique opportunity to bring about justice for victims, and it's an opportunity for the Syrian civil society who must be able to heal. Today, the context offers a unique window of opportunity to produce tangible progress. To seize this opportunity, it is vital that the mechanism be given the resources necessary to keep pace with the considerable increase in its workload arising from the additional requirements of it linked to the evolving situation in Syria and the growing request from competent Courts, Switzerland notes with concern that the mechanism's resources remain insufficient, and we appeal for the mechanism to be given the necessary financing via the regular budget. The mechanism plays an essential role in bringing about impartial, victim-centered justice. The growing and sustained number of requests for assistance bears witness to the trust placed in the mechanism's mandate. And that brings about concrete results, namely thanks to the essential role played by national courts exercising universal jurisdiction. That strengthens the fight against impunity. In these efforts, the contribution of civil society is significant, namely regarding the documentation of crimes. Switzerland is delighted to continue to facilitate collaboration between the mechanism mechanism, rather, and civil society organizations through the Lausanne Platform together with the Netherlands. President Switzerland hails the remarkable commitment of the mechanism and of everyone that supports it. Its work is vital, as is our support, to achieve a lasting peace today, now more than ever before. Thank you.


GA · PGA [1:48:43]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Switzerland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain.


Spain [1:49:03]:

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Spain aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union. In our national capacity, I'm going to make the following comments. More than a year after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, it is fundamental to continue to support the peaceful and inclusive political transition process in Syria in order to stabilize the country and ensure that all of the population feel that they belong to their nation. Syria's stability, furthermore, is key to achieve lasting peace across the region as a whole. The work of the mechanism under the UN mandate plays an important role in this process to support Syria's accountability processes. Spain echoes the thanks given to the mechanism for its work. We will continue to support the mechanism's work politically and financially. In fact, in 2025, we contributed €500,000 to the mechanism. Today's report reflects the opening of new windows of opportunity. Throughout 2025, the mechanism opened channels of dialogue with the new Syrian authorities. They enjoyed unprecedented institutional cooperation after more than a decade of conflict. The increase in access to information and cooperation is a vital and positive step forward to make progress with accountability. We encourage the Syrian Transitional Government to to continue taking steps in this direction by facilitating cooperation of all institutions with the mechanism. Support for victims is a priority for Spain. As such, we value the victim-centered approach as outlined by the report. We also are very much in favor of its approach focused on inclusive justice. We also support the thematic strategies adopted on gender, young people and children, and the cooperation with civil society organizations in Syria, including victims' associations. Syria and its people are at a crucial juncture, Mr. President. This is a time when there is a challenge to build and consolidate legitimate democratic institutions after decades of conflict. At the same time, internal and external tensions remain, and they are of concern. They go hand in hand with a serious humanitarian crisis, millions of displaced persons and refugees, and security challenges posed by the current regional geopolitical situation. Syria will only be able to overcome these challenges if we guarantee full and vital respect for their independent sovereignty and territorial integrity. Moreover, it is vital that Syria move towards a peaceful and inclusive political transition, one which guarantees the fundamental rights of all its citizens without discrimination of any kind. This is an endeavor in which Syria can count on Spain's full support. By way of conclusion, peace and justice cannot exist without adequate accountability. Spain will continue to support the mechanism's work. We will continue to encourage other states to increase their political and financial support thereto. Thank you.


GA · PGA [1:52:12]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Spain. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan, to be followed by Ireland, Slovenia, Hungary, and the United States.


Japan [1:52:33]:

Thank you, Mr. President. First of all, I would like to extend I extend my appreciation to Mr. Robert Putti for his briefing. It has been 1 year and 4 months since the collapse of the Assad regime. The changes that have taken place during this period are noteworthy, and some progress has been made toward a peaceful and stable political transition in Syria. As the situation in the Middle East has been tremendously shaken, the international community must unite in its support to ensure that Syrian-owned and Syrian-led process moves forward steadily and contributes to regional stability. For achieving peaceful transition and comprehensive national reconciliation in the country, it is essential to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes committed during the prolonged conflict. A vast number of innocent civilians have fallen victim, and perpetrators must be punished. Therefore, the role played by IM has become all the more important. With that in mind, I'd like to make 3 points. First, we welcome the steady progress made by the mechanism over the past year in collaboration with the Syrian government. The fact that regular dialogue is taking place with relevant ministries and agencies demonstrates the government's commitment to transitional justice and its willingness to cooperate with the international community, including the United Nations, to achieve this goal. In particular, we commend the constructive efforts made through multiple exchanges of views in Geneva, with relevant officials, including the chair of the National Commission for Transitional Justice. We value positive engagement by Syrian authorities and expect them to strengthen such efforts. At the same time, we note that request regarding the establishment of the IIIM office in Damascus remains, unresolved. While we understand that Syrian government is facing overwhelming tasks, we strongly expect the government to accommodate this request promptly. Second, we have emphasized the importance of coordination with relevant UN mechanisms. It is crucial that relevant agencies contributing to accountability work in concert to achieve maximum productivity, particularly at a time when institutional reforms across the entire UN system are under deliberation. We welcome that cooperation between the Independent International Commission of Inquiry and Independent Institution on Missing Persons continues. Including the conclusion of memorandum between the IIIM and the IIIMP last May. Third, a victim-centered approach must be upheld. It is particularly noteworthy that the mechanism expanding its dialogue not only with the members of Syrian government, but also with the representatives of civil society and organizations of victims and survivors. Any accountability process must prioritize the dignity of victims and embody their will. In closing, Japan intends to work in coordination with the international community to support an inclusive, peaceful, and stable transition led by the Syrian government and people. I thank you.


GA · PGA [1:57:00]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland.


Ireland [1:57:18]:

Thank you, President. Ireland aligns with the EU statement and adds the following. President, it's now over 10 years since the General Assembly acted to establish 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 Syria since 2011. Ireland has consistently emphasized the importance of accountability for atrocity crimes and breaches of international law in all situations of conflict. This is not only a matter of law and of principle, it's also a key practical measure towards the creation and maintenance of sustainable peace. Because the reality is that impunity and accountability gaps can lead to or exacerbate conflict and ongoing cycles of violence. In that spirit, we supported and continue to support the important mandate of the IIIM. The fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 marks a historic turning point and, we hope, a historic opportunity for justice for its many victims and for a peaceful and inclusive transition for all Syrians. We appreciate the scale of the challenges facing the transitional authorities in Syria and the real complexity of the issues involved. In that context, we strongly encourage a deepening formalization of the ongoing engagement between the mechanism and the new Syrian authorities. We are confident that the technical expertise and assistance offered by the mechanism can be of real assistance in Syrian-led justice efforts, and in that way support further progress towards peace and stability for all Syrians. President Arland thanks the head of the mechanism for his informative briefing today and for his leadership leadership since appointment. We also commend the mechanism for its essential work in collecting and preserving evidence of international crimes in Syria. The 12th report notes that requests for assistance have continued to increase and broaden. Ireland commends the manner in which the mechanism has evolved to respond to this increasing demand and appreciates the support its work has provided to investigations and prosecutions in various national jurisdictions. Jurisdictions. President, the conflict in Syria has caused immense hardship and suffering, acutely felt by women, children, and older people. Ireland continues to deeply value the Mechanism's commitment to a victim-survivor-centred approach, placing their experiences and perspectives at the heart of accountability efforts. We also welcome the Mechanism's work to integrate a child and youth perspective, as well as a ongoing engagement with civil society organizations. We further commend its close cooperation with partners on the issue of missing persons, including the MOU concluded with the IIMP and its engagement with Syria's newly established National Commission for Missing Persons. The right of families to know the truth about the fate and the whereabouts of their loved ones is fundamental. And finally, Ireland continues to support support adequate funding of the mechanism through the UN's regular budget. We note with regret that there has been no increase in its regular budget funding since 2020, and that voluntary contributions are insufficient to meet the mechanism's financial needs. We strongly support the mechanism's request for increased funding to address its growing workload as the national context in Syria evolves. The international community has a responsibility Ireland's responsibility to support this important work for transitional justice for victims and survivors. It is essential to reconciliation, as well as efforts to build a peaceful Syria and reach a genuine solution to the conflict in line with Resolution 2254. Thank you.


GA · PGA [2:01:06]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia.


Slovenia [2:01:24]:

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to express my gratitude for convening today's debate to reflect upon the 12th report of the International Impartial Independent Mechanism for Syria. Slovenia aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to offer remarks in our national capacity. In a period marked by bleak projections and growing uncertainty in the region and beyond, the report before us and the progress of the mechanism, skillfully led by Robert Pettit, represents a beacon of hope. Hope for a stable and peaceful Syria. Hope for a country in which every individual enjoys human rights and dignity. Hope for a Syria-led and Syria-owned transitional justice. Hope for a Syria that continues along the path of transition, stabilization, and recovery, with a justice system capable of delivering credible, fair, and independent criminal proceedings, ensuring accountability for perpetrators and rights for victims and survivors. It is a challenging and complex process with no simple and quick solutions. Syria and its leadership deserve our recognition for their commitment. As I witnessed firsthand during the Security Council visit to Damascus in December 2025, Syrians strongly desire and demand this process. They are determined to rebuild and eager to engage in an inclusive transitional justice process. And this is why the report in front of us marks a notable shift from its predecessors. It highlights significant progress in the mechanism's access and its ability to conduct nearly monthly visits and maintain continuous dialogue with the new Syrian authorities. Authorities. I would like to underline the following points. Firstly, after a decade of the mechanisms' work under vastly different conditions, Slovenia welcomes the constructive engagement of the new Syrian authorities and encourages the formalization of the Memorandum of Understanding that would authorize an official presence for the mechanisms in Syria. Secondly, the expansion of Central repository of evidence, the strengthening of expertise in evidence collection, processing, as well as support for ongoing and future investigations will be essential in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Slovenia strongly supports the mechanism's victim and survivor-centered approach, as well as its gender, children, and youth strategies. Only a process that takes into account the needs of every— regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity, or religion— can deliver lasting and trustworthy results. And thirdly, the capacity-building activities and workshops conducted with the Mechanism's support provide important lessons not only for the partners inside Syria, but also for a wide variety of international partners and jurisdictions pursuing accountability. Slovenia encourages continued cooperation and alignment among international mechanisms and national institutions, including the National Commissions for Transitional Justice and for Missing Persons. And finally, Slovenia reaffirms its support for the mechanism, both politically and through our recent additional allocation of funds to its work. As the international community stands ready to support Syria in its efforts— it is also vital to recognize the broader regional developments. Although Syria has shown restraint and remarkable stability in the recent regional war, incursions and conflicts at Syria's doorstep are a source of serious concern. For Syria to remain a centre of stability in the region, constructive engagement by its neighbours and international partners partners, and their steadfast commitment to Syria's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity will be essential. I thank you.


GA · PGA [2:05:47]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Hungary.


Hungary [2:06:05]:

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Mr. President, Hungary aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union on behalf of its 27 member states. We also extend our appreciation to the head of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism, Mr. Robert Petit, for his leadership, and we welcome the mechanism The UN Special Rapporteur James Twain's 12th report. Following over a decade of conflict and war, accountability in Syria is crucial for laying the foundations for a future rooted in peace and dignity. We remain committed to supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition which meets the aspirations of all Syrians and underlines the importance of protecting the rights of Syrians from of all ethnic and religious backgrounds without discrimination. It is equally vital to preserve Syria's irreplaceable cultural heritage. The transitional authorities must uphold human rights, including the human rights of women and children. They must guarantee non-sectarian governance and protect all the religious and ethnic communities, among them Christian minorities, without discrimination. We call upon the relevant authorities to protect all civilians, especially ethnic and religious minorities, to ensure accountability for perpetrators of violence, and to uphold their obligations under international law. On this basis, we will continue to engage with the Syrian Transitional Government to address the challenges facing the country and to support the political transition, national reconciliation, and respect for fundamental rights. Mr. President, we commend the Mechanism for its continued dedication to collecting, preserving, and analyzing evidence of the most serious crimes under international law, and for its increasing support to national jurisdictions. The growing number of requests for assistance demonstrates both the relevance of its its mandate and the international community's reliance on its work. Hungary also emphasizes the importance of the fight against terrorism, including preventing the reemergence of terrorist groups and the destruction of Syria's remaining chemical weapons stockpiles. Hungary considers the use of chemical weapons during the Syrian conflict as amongst the most serious violations of international law, given their gravity and the clear prohibition under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Such violations are supported and verified— by verified information, which can significantly contribute to the work of the IIIM in preparing credible and robust case files. In this regard, we commend the continued cooperation between the mechanism and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the OPCW. We further encourage strengthened cooperation between the mechanism, member states, and other relevant international organizations while avoiding duplication efforts and ensuring complementarity with other accountability initiatives. Mr. President, Hungary is firmly committed to accountability. In recent years, the Budapest Regional Court of Appeal concluded its first case involving a Daesh-affiliated individual responsible for crimes against humanity in Syria, adjudicated under the principle of universal jurisdiction. This case was handled with the utmost care, underscoring our readiness to support broader accountability efforts. At the same time, we underlined that transitional justice processes must be rooted in Syria, led by Syrians. We welcome the IIIM's ongoing support for such domestic initiatives, as reflected in the most recent reports. Comprehensive transitional justice is indispensable for achieving meaningful reconciliation. Hungary underscores the importance of accountability for serious international crimes, emphasizing a victim- and survivor-centered approach as the cornerstone zone of sustainable peace and reconciliation. In this regard, we welcome the mechanism's enhanced engagement with Syrian authorities and its support for Syrian-led transitional justice processes in line with the principles of sovereignty and national ownership. Ensuring that the voices of affected communities, including women, children, and vulnerable groups, are heard during the reconciliation process is essential for achieving meaningful and inclusive justice. Durable justice can only be achieved through strong national institutions operating in accordance with international standards. In this vein, Hungary also stresses the importance of supporting capacity-building efforts within Syria. Mr. President, in conclusion, Hungary reiterates its steadfast commitment to the mechanism, and we look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue in in the future. I thank you.


GA · PGA [2:11:14]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Hungary. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States.


United States of America [2:11:34]:

The United States extends its gratitude to Mr. Putti and the IIIM for the critical work to advance justice and accountability in Syria. Post-conflict recovery and stability in Syria require holding perpetrators of crimes over the past 15 years accountable and providing meaningful justice to victims. There must be accountability for the innumerable, unspeakable abuses and atrocities committed under the Assad regime, as well as for violations and abuses that have occurred since December 8th, 2024. Despite only recently gaining access to Syria, the IIIM has done much to collect, consolidate, preserve, and analyze evidence of international humanitarian law violations and human rights violations and abuses over the past 9 years. This work has supported landmark trials convicting and indicting Assad regime officials and ISIS members of war crimes. With Assad's reign of terror finally over in Syria, and with the support of the Syrian government, the IIIM can extend its work and more comprehensively fulfill its mandate. Continued and unrestricted access in partnership with relevant Syrian government counterparts is imperative for the urgent documentation and preservation of evidence of abuses to support ongoing and future accountability efforts. Accountability in Syria requires a collective effort, and we encourage the Syrian government, UN entities, and Syrian civil society organizations to deepen their coordination to avoid duplication and generate results. The United States supports the continued work of the IIIM and encourages member states to consider voluntary contributions to the IIIM during this window of opportunity in new, just, and stable Syria. Meaningful justice and accountability are critical both to heal Syria's wounds after 14 years of war and to ensure that the atrocities of the Assad era never recur. Reaffirming the IIIM's mandate is therefore essential to ensure lasting stability and peace for Syria and its people. Thank you.


GA · PGA [2:14:33]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the United States. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative Ambassador Fatih Bayramoğlu, Representative of Turkey.


Türkiye · Fatih Bayramoğlu [2:14:49]:

Mr. President, we thank you for convening this meeting and express our appreciation to Mr. Putti for his comprehensive briefing. It has now been over a year since Syria embarked embarked upon a historic and long-awaited process of transformation. Despite the complex challenges it faces, the Syrian government has demonstrated notable progress in the political process. Accountability and justice remain indispensable pillars for a sustainable and credible political process. In a post-conflict context such as Syria, where hundreds of thousands have lost their lives and many more have been detained or disappeared, reconstruction must go beyond economic recovery. It must also contribute to healing the deep wounds of the conflict by ensuring justice and accountability. In this regard, we support the vision of a future Syrian Arab Republic grounded in the rule of law, with full accountability for the most serious crimes. We commend Syrian the government's commitment in this domain, including through establishment of national commissions on transitional justice and missing persons. We also welcomed the last report of the mechanism to the General Assembly, which outlines important progress achieved over the past year. Since its establishment, the mechanism has played a vital role in documenting the most serious crimes committed during the conflict. We commend the work of the mechanism and Mr. Potti's leadership. As a co-sponsor of the General Assembly resolution establishing the mechanism and as a contributor to its budget, Turkey supports its essential work. We particularly welcome the constructive cooperation developing between Syrian authorities and the mechanism. Enhanced engagement with national institutions dedicated to transitional justice can further strengthen accountability efforts. We believe that the evolving situation in Syria lends renewed operational relevance to the mechanism mandate. It can play a meaningful supportive role in Syrian-led and Syrian-owned processes, including through capacity building and technical assistance should this be requested by the Syrian authorities. At the same time, it is concerning that the mechanism faces financial constraint at a moment when conditions are becoming more conducive to the effective implementation of its mandate. We therefore encourage the international community to provide adequate and predictable funding to ensure continuity of its work. Mr. President, In conclusion, Türkiye reaffirms its steadfast commitment to supporting Syrian people in building a future based on justice, dignity, and lasting peace.


GA · PGA [2:17:51]:

I thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Türkiye. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation, to be followed by the representative of the United Kingdom. Mr.


Russian Federation [2:18:16]:

President, the position of the Russian Federation with regard to the lack of a legal basis for the establishment of this so-called international impartial independent mechanism to assist in the investigations in the Syrian Arab Republic has not undergone any changes. We're still here talking about a body which was created on a voted-upon General Assembly resolution, which is going beyond its authority and in violation of the UN Charter. Its issues fall within the exclusive competence of the Security Council, acting in the context of Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Attempts to lend legitimacy to this mechanism, especially retroactively, we consider to be legally invalid. As for the most recent report of the mechanism, its content only reinforces our doubts as to the practical value of the structure of this body. Despite the declared expansion of contacts with Syrian state bodies, the emphasis is still being placed not on the transfer to the Syrian authorities of the accumulated material, but on entrenching mechanism's own presence, including plans to open open an office in the country, although there is no consent to this on the part of the Syrian authorities. Uh, and in the meantime, as one of the obstacles to the transfer of the evidentiary basis, um, essentially what is being indicated is the legal system currently enforced in Syria. We think this kind of argumentation is unfounded. The, uh, imperfect nature of national legislation cannot serve as grounds for refusal to transfer materials to the state with regard to which the mechanism operates and which is most interested in bringing those responsible to justice. Unfortunately, such a nefarious practice has already taken place in the activities of other international bodies, for example, within the investigative team to promote accountability for crimes committed in Iraq. Its lack of transparency year after year raised increasingly more questions, and the beneficiaries of the work of that body became Western countries. Countries. They received information without the consent of Iraq, while Baghdad was not provided with the materials under the pretext of outdated legislation. Such excuses only reinforce doubts about the impartiality of the mechanism on Syria and about the real tasks performed by this structure. We can but note the continuing growth of the financial appetite of the mechanism, and this is taking place Under the conditions when the UN system as a whole is facing a serious shortage of funds and vital areas are experiencing an acute lack of financing, the Russian Federation does not support the allocation of resources from the regular budget for the work of a voted-upon structure with a questionable legal basis and reputation, as well as with limited practical yield. We believe that it would be more reasonable to direct these resources towards supporting the Syrians themselves and towards the restoration of destroyed infrastructure and state institutions there. Mr. President, the Russian Federation consistently advocates for bringing those responsible to accountability. These goals must be implemented with the unconditional respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria, as well as a principle of non-interference in its internal affairs. In accordance with the provisions of Security Council Resolution 2254. Any external constructs, especially those which are lacking legitimacy and are duplicating or replacing national mechanisms, do not bring us closer to the achievement of these tasks. We are convinced that the main role in the administration of justice must be played by the Syrians themselves. Only such an approach is capable of ensuring a real contribution to the establishment for the establishment of justice and long-term stability in the country. I thank you.


GA · PGA [2:22:10]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [2:22:30]:

Thank you, President. The United Kingdom aligns aligns itself with the EU and its member states' statement and provides the following remarks in a national capacity. We thank the head of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism, Mr. Robert Pettit, for his leadership and welcome the 12th report, which demonstrates the IIIM's sustained progress despite a challenging operational environment. The end of the Assad regime marked a decisive moment for Syria, providing the opportunity for the Syrian people to begin the long journey towards truth, justice, and accountability. And this is a process where the IIIM has an important role to play. The continued growth of the Central Evidence Repository and the rising number of requests from national authorities underscores both the scale of crimes committed and the essential role the mechanism plays in supporting accountability efforts worldwide. In this context, we welcome the Syrian government's engagement on transitional justice transitional justice. We urge it to take the next step in cooperation, including by granting an official presence to the AAAM in Syria, in line with its mandate. The UK strongly supports the mechanism's survivor-centered approach, including its focus on women, children, and young people, and its close engagement with Syrian civil society and other UN mechanisms. These elements are fundamental to delivering credible and inclusive justice. We thank Michelle Jarvis, outgoing Deputy Head of the Mechanism, for her leadership on developing the Mechanism strategies in these areas since 2017. President, these achievements have been delivered amid persistent financial pressure. Uncertain and insufficient funding risks weakening accountability efforts. To support these efforts, the UK has lifted economic sanctions on sectors such as trade, energy production, transport, and finance to help facilitate essential investment into Syria and support the Syrian people to rebuild their country and economy. We also welcome the lifting of U.N. sanctions and encourage deeper engagement with the international community and increased financial support for the Syrian people in their efforts towards reconstruction and economic development. The U.K. remains firmly committed to supporting the Syrian government efforts to pursue transitional justice and accountability, and will continue to advocate advocate for mechanisms such as the IIIM to ensure that they have the resources required to conduct their operations and address the widespread impunity and suffering of the Syrian people. Justice for victims is essential to Syria's transition and to lasting peace. I thank you.


GA · PGA [2:25:02]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. We have had the last speaker in the debate on this item. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of the consideration of sub-item A of Agenda Item 31. The Assembly will consider Agenda Item 30, entitled The Role of Diamonds in Fuelling Conflict. The documentation under this item is listed in the Journal of the United Nations. Before proceeding further, I wish to recall the letter from the President of of the Assembly on the time management and speaking limits circulated to delegations on January 6th, 2026. During this debate, speakers are encouraged to adhere to the time limit of 7 minutes for statements made on behalf of a group of states and 5 minutes for delegations speaking in their national capacity. To assist delegations in managing their time, a countdown clock will be displayed on the screens. I thank you for your cooperation. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates to introduce draft resolution A/AT/L53.


United Arab Emirates [2:26:41]:

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, a very good afternoon to you all. 12 months ago, I stood before the Assembly to present the outcomes of the United Arab Emirates chairmanship of the Kimberley Process under the theme Year of Delivery. Today, I return to reflect on the progress sustained in 2025 under the UAE's custodian chairmanship and the Year of Best Practice, and to introduce draft Resolution A/80. I extend my appreciation to the co-sponsors of the draft resolution, to all Kimberley participants, and to industry representatives and civil society organizations as observers who uphold the Kimberley Process through its tripartite structure. This model remains the defining strength of the KP. For two decades, the fundamental purpose and importance of the Kimberley Process has only been growing stronger. It plays a critical role in breaking the link between the illicit trade in rough diamonds and armed conflict, setting a global example of transparency and accountability through its governance model. As reflected in the draft resolution, the diamond sector remains a vital catalyst for economic and social development. The KP has helped consolidate peace and improve the lives of millions of people in diamond mining communities, especially in Africa, significantly contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. In the year of best practice, our task was to translate the gains of 2024 into stronger implementation, better working methods, and a more future-ready KP. That meant strengthening compliance, reinforcing institutional continuity, and ensuring that the KP remains fit for purpose in an era that is moving faster than our processes. Standing before you today, I can confirm that we have delivered clear progress. Leadership continuity is fundamental to the credibility and effectiveness of the Kimberley Process. As the central authority, the Chair is responsible for setting direction and alignment while ensuring it operates with clarity and purpose. In the absence of a Vice Chair elected in 2024, the Kimberley Process family welcomed the United Arab Emirates as Custodian Chair in 2025. This was a deliberate and necessary decision to safeguard continuity and ensure the process continued to function effectively without question. Throughout 2025, the United Arab Emirates placed a clear focus on strengthening leadership continuity and reinforcing a more predictable structured approach to governance within the Kimberley Process. I would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Ghana for stepping forward as Vice Chair during the Dubai KP Plenary, where this was duly approved, and to India for assuming the chairmanship for 2026 following its nomination in December of 2025. The draft resolution correctly notes that the 3-year review and reform cycle concluded in November 2025, one of the most significant exercises undertaken by the Kimberley Process in recent years. Several notable achievements were delivered. We adopted measures to strengthen technical assistance for diamond-producing communities. We advanced the structural review of the KP with a view to addressing challenges faced by artisanal and small-scale miners. And we strengthened governance and working methods, including leadership arrangements and best practices for meetings. Shared understanding of the importance of these issues was underscored by the ministerial meeting during the Dubai Kimberley Process Plenary, the first KP ministerial since Interlaken in 2002. However, we must also recognize that after 3 years of dedicated work and despite serious and extensive efforts across the KP family, consensus on updating the definition on conflict diamonds was ultimately not reached. The factors that led to this regrettable result and its ramifications have been noted, including in statements from member states, civil society, and industry. The disappointment was palpable, including for African producers and communities as was well expressed in the statement by the African Diamond Producers Association. As a result, the current definition, agreed more than 20 years ago, remains in force, covering rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance conflict aimed at undermining legitimate governments. This does not close the discussion. We must all recommit to dialogue, engagement, and eventual progress in good faith. At the same time, we must also be clear about how the Kimberley Process measures progress. While a final communiqué was not adopted at disciplinary, it is important to focus on what was achieved in substance. A communiqué is a useful political instrument, but it is not the only measure of progress. In 2025, participants reached agreement on a series of administrative decisions and endorsed outcomes across working bodies grounded in consensus, and built through sustained engagement. The absence of a communiqué does not diminish the value of the administrative decisions or constrain what the Kimberley Process can achieve. While there is value in a final communiqué, the approach we adopted proved valuable in ensuring the Kimberley Process continues to move forward avoiding delays and paralysis. We hope this can serve as a best practice for overcoming any future gridlocks. Looking ahead, the future of the Kimberley Process will be defined not only by governance but by its ability to modernize. Digitalization has already been shaping global trade systems for decades. In 2026, it is unconscionable that we are not using the right technology. The Kimberley Process must catch up. Under the UAE chairmanship, we advanced this agenda through initiatives like Verifico, a secure digital certification platform designed to enhance traceability efficiency, and integrity within the KP framework. The direction is clear: the KP should lead, not follow. Verifico has been in pilot phase for 6 months and will be donated by the United Arab Emirates to the KP family. As digitalization advances, technical assistance for participants, particularly those with reduced capacity, Funds and resources will be essential to ensuring that the system remains inclusive and globally credible, and that diamond communities further benefit from legitimate trade. Another critical element for future progress will be how AI, or as I prefer to call it, extended intelligence can support and strengthen the KP. The decision— sorry, the session in Dubai on best practice in the age of artificial intelligence opened this discussion and helped identify potential applications in areas such as document verification, anomaly detection, risk analysis, and support for compliance monitoring. For the KP, this points to opportunities to modernize processes and to reinforce compliance and certificate integrity. The path forward available to us is clear: pilot programs, harmonized data standards, and a phased integration of AI into all of the KP's family verification systems. This is about ensuring that the Kimberley Process does not become a museum of good intentions. In that context, I personally thank India for continuing this effort as outlined during the Working Body Chair's Consultation Meeting in Cape Town during Mining Indaba. Mr. President, distinguished delegates, the draft resolution before us reflects this balance, reinforcing the KP's mandate, supporting its continued strengthening, and underscoring the need for the KP to remain relevant for the future. But beyond the text, the broader point is clear. The KP continues to provide transparency, accountability, and confidence in the legitimate diamond trade. This supports stability and development in producing countries and a valuable model of cooperation among governments, industry, and civil society. Looking ahead, it is our collective responsibility not to simply preserve, preserve the system, but to strengthen and evolve it so that it remains credible, effective, and responsible to the realities ahead. I would like to thank all delegations for their continued engagement and partnership. I hereby submit the draft resolution to the Assembly. Thank you.


GA · PGA [2:38:47]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union on behalf of the EU and its member states.


EU · EU [2:39:12]:

Madam President, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina align themselves with this statement. The EU congratulates the United Arab Emirates for its for their good offices in building consensus in extraordinary times and for their efforts as custodian chair. Conflict diamonds have played a major role in funding some of the most devastating civil wars in Africa. We have come a long way since the Kimberley Process was established. This joint initiative of governments, civil society, and industry has had valuable development impact in improving the lives of people dependent on the trade in diamonds, reinforcing the message that diamonds belong to the communities that mine them, not to militias. Since the creation of the Kimberley Process in 2003, the European Union has been committed to ensuring that it continues to fulfill its core mandate of breaking the link between diamonds and conflict. The EU has funded approximately €10 million in projects aimed to reinforce governments— governance in diamond sector and the development of alternative livelihoods, for example, through the Mano River Union supporting cooperation among Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, and in the Central African Republic. The EU has also been among the most active supporters of the Kimberley Process process reform and the broadening of the definition of conflict diamonds, leading the work to reform the Kimberley Process in an exterted effort to help it remain relevant and credible in a changing world and ensure the legitimacy of its certification scheme. However, due to lack of consensus since the Kimberley Process was established, the definition of conflict diamonds remained very narrow, focused on the notion of rebel movements undermining legitimate governments. We therefore regret that there was no consensus reached before the conclusion of the ad hoc committee on review and reform to expand the definition in a meaningful way to capture the evolving nature of conflicts and the realities on the ground. Unfortunately, the Kimberley Process continues to face unprecedented challenges. With a mandate deeply rooted in the full respect of state sovereignty, this resolution reminds us of the obligations placed upon states by the Charter of the United Nations regarding the maintenance of international peace and security, and that state sovereignty should be fully respected. We, we insist that these principles be respected by all member states and regret that the Kimberley Process has failed to address modern challenges. Therefore, we cannot but condemn the aggression of one Kimberley Process participant against another. We regret that the Kimberley Process has failed to address the implications of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine on the global raft diamond sector. We look forward to working with India as chair for 2026 and with all participants and observers in the year ahead. Thank you.


GA · PGA [2:42:50]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.


India [2:43:10]:

Mr. President, India aligns itself with the importance of strengthening global efforts to prevent the illicit trade in conflict diamonds and to promote transparency, accountability, and sustainability in international trade. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme established pursuant to UN resolutions, remains a cornerstone of these efforts, having significantly contributed to curbing the flow of conflict diamonds in global markets. In this regard, we thank the United Arab Emirates for its work as the KP Custodian Chair for 2025 and are pleased to assume chairmanship of the Kimberley Process in 2026. As a founding participant of the Kimberley Process, India has consistently played a constructive and proactive role in advancing its objectives. Our engagement reflects a deep and abiding commitment to ensuring that the global diamond trade is not a source of conflict, instability, or human suffering, but rather a driver of development, livelihoods, and shared prosperity. Mr. President, the Kimberley Process is unique in its tripartite structure. Bringing together governments, industry, and civil society. This collaborative model has enabled it to cover over 99% of the global rough diamond trade, making it one of the most comprehensive international mechanisms in its domain. At the same time, evolving global challenges require that the process continues to adapt and remain fit for purpose. India's assumption of, of the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process this year reflects this confidence of the international community in our commitment to promoting integrity and transparency in international trade. During our tenure, India will focus on strengthening governance and compliance mechanisms, enhancing transparency through data-driven monitoring, and advancing digital certification and traceability. These efforts are essential to reinforce consumer confidence and ensure the continued credibility of the process in a rapidly changing global landscape. We also underscore the importance of aligning the Kimberley Process with broader global development objectives, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The process has demonstrated its relevance in supporting peace, justice, and strong institutions particularly in countries emerging from conflict. Mr. President, India believes that the way forward lies in strengthening multilateral cooperation, enhancing inclusivity, and ensuring that the Kimberley Process remains responsive to contemporary realities. We must collectively work to get towards reinforcing its effectiveness while preserving its core principles of consensus, partnership, ownership. As one of the world's leading centers for diamond cutting and polishing, India remains deeply invested in promoting responsible sourcing and ethical value chains. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the diamond trade continues to contribute positively to economic development, particularly in producer countries, including Africa. In conclusion, India reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the objectives of the Kimberley Process and to strengthening this important multilateral mechanism. We stand ready to work with all partners to ensure that diamonds remain a source of prosperity and hope rather than conflict and instability. I thank you.


GA · PGA [2:46:50]:

I thank the distinguished representative of India. We have had the last speaker in the debate for this meeting. The Assembly will continue with its consideration of agenda item 30 this afternoon at 3 o'clock PM in this hall. The meeting is adjourned.