Thank you, Mr. President,

The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the EU and thanks the Commission of Inquiry for its important work.

More than a year after the fall of the Assad regime, there is hope, but, as events in Syria over the past year have shown, also uncertainty for the Syrian people. Accountability remains essential. Grave crimes committed in Syria — including arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearance and the use of chemical weapons — must not go unaddressed. The Netherlands remains committed to supporting a credible, victim-centered and inclusive transitional justice process as a foundation for sustainable peace and a durable path towards political stability.

We stress the need for an inclusive Syrian-led transitional justice process and continued national and international efforts to ensure accountability for crimes committed under the former regime, as well as violations that occurred after the change of power in Syria. We welcome the Commission’s reporting, including on detention practices and mass graves, and its work to preserve evidence. We underline the continued crucial importance of the Commission’s role and independence, both in terms of monitoring the human rights situation in times of transition, as well as supporting national institutions in their efforts to deliver accountability and protect the rights of all Syrians. 

We commend the Syrian transitional authorities for their engagement with the Commission, OHCHR and the IIIM, and encourage continued cooperation, including full, safe and unhindered access, so these mandates can be effectively carried out in support of Syria’s transition.

Dear members of the Commission,

How do you see your mandate contributing constructively to Syria’s transition, and what forms of cooperation with the Syrian transitional authorities would be most important to ensure that your work can effectively support accountability and long-term stability?

Thank you