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Remarks by the President of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly
H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang
at the Plenary Debate on the Prevention of Armed Conflict (IIIM Syria)
29th April 2025
[As Delivered]
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I begin by welcoming Mr. Robert Petit, Head of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism.
I thank him for briefing the General Assembly.
Let us acknowledge that this briefing takes place against a completely new background in Syria.
Fourteen years of brutal conflict and violence in Syria has come to an end.
The toll has been immense.
Gross violations of human rights were committed.?
Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost.
More than 14 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes?in search for safety.
The scale of destruction across the country ¨C including to historical heritage sites – has been immense.
It is now a new era in Syria.
Syrians now face the task of establishing a stable, peaceful and inclusive future for everyone.
All Syrians must work together to restore peace, rebuild institutions, and promote inclusive development.
The human rights and dignity of all Syrians¡ªregardless of their ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or gender¡ªmust be respected and upheld.
This transition will not be easy.
While the moment holds promise, it also demands caution.
To move forward, we must support efforts grounded in inclusivity, justice, and reconciliation.
Without accountability for the most serious crimes under international law committed in Syria, it will not be possible to ensure long-term stability, peace and security.
Those responsible for all human rights violations must be held accountable.
This must extend to violations committed from March 2011 through December 2024, and to those committed subsequently.
As Syrians begin rebuilding, the support of the international community will be critical.
This includes the support of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism.
Established by the General Assembly, the Mechanism plays a vital role in collecting, preserving, and analysing evidence of the most serious crimes committed in Syria since 2011.
Its work remains indispensable to ensuring accountability and laying the groundwork for justice and reconciliation in Syria¡¯s future.
We must match words with action¡ªthrough sustained engagement, coordinated assistance, and constructive diplomacy.
Syria¡¯s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity must be protected and respected by all.
We must remain focused and committed, as Syrians take steps toward a more just, secure, and united future.
I thank you.
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Media Contacts
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Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: +1 212 963 0564, M: +1 646 342 5873, Email: birchs@un.org
Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Adviser/ Social and Digital Media/Media Relations, M: +1 917 3614990, Email: mariam.shaikh@un.org
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Resolutions of the 79th Session ¨C Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly