シリア人権状況に関する総会非公式会合における木村徹也大使ステートメント

Mr. President,
 
I thank the High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Michelle Bachelet for her briefing.
 
Japan is deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation on the ground. The suffering of the most vulnerable such as women, children, people with disabilities, refugees and internally displaced persons is immeasurable. The human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people in Syria must be fully protected without delay. Japan urges all parties to armed conflict to immediately put an end to all violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law in all areas in Syria, and ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to the population in need. Japan also urges all parties involved to ensure broad cooperation and engagement with the relevant United Nations mechanisms.
 
Accountability is critical for sustainable peace in Syria. Japan will not tolerate impunity for those responsible for gross human rights violations throughout the conflict. The fate and whereabouts of missing people and those who have been arbitrarily detained in Syria are of particular concern. The use of chemical weapons is also impermissible under any circumstances. Perpetrators of such acts must be identified and held accountable.
 
A situation where the perpetrators of such acts are overlooked and left without being identified and held accountable will have ripple effects elsewhere in the world, and seriously undermine the stability and prosperity of the international community.
 
In this regard, Japan welcomes the progress made by the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism during the past year in implementing its mandate of assisting in the investigations and prosecutions of most serious crimes committed in the country.
 
Mr. President,
 
The Syrian crisis will never end without a political solution in line with Security Council Resolution 2254. Continued dialogue among the Syrian people is essential for advancing the political process. Japan reiterates its commitment to working closely with international partners towards a sustainable solution to the Syrian crisis.
 
Thank you.