United States: The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution to establish an independent institution that will determine the fate of over 130,000 individuals who went missing during the Syrian conflict. The resolution was adopted with 83 votes in favour, 11 opposed, and 62 abstentions. Notably, Syria, along with Russia, China, Belarus, North Korea, Cuba, and Iran, voted against the resolution, stating that they will not cooperate with the new institution.
The resolution, led by Luxembourg, acknowledges the lack of progress in addressing the suffering of families who have lost loved ones during the 12-year Syrian conflict. It authorizes the establishment of an Independent Institution of Missing Persons in Syria under UN auspices. The institution’s purpose is to determine the fate and whereabouts of all missing individuals and provide support to victims, survivors, and families.
The new body will include representation from victims, survivors, and families, and will adhere to principles such as impartiality, transparency, and the protection of confidentiality. UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres is now tasked with presenting the terms of reference for the institution within 80 working days and taking steps to expedite its establishment.
Human Rights Watch has emphasized the need for adequate resources and staff to enable the institution to fulfil its responsibilities effectively. The organization called on UN member countries to ensure that the institution receives the necessary support.
The Syrian Ambassador dismissed the resolution as politically motivated interference in internal affairs, expressing Syria’s efforts to address the issue of missing persons through independent investigations. Syria’s civil war, now in its 13th year, has resulted in immense casualties and displacement.
However, concerns remain about the Syrian government’s cooperation with the new institution, as it has not collaborated with existing international bodies investigating missing persons during the conflict.
WORLD ROUNDUP: Titan submersible; Presumed human remains discovered
