Daijiworld Media Network - Syria
Syria, Apr 5: In a significant development, Syria on Friday welcomed a resolution passed by the United Nations Human Rights Council aimed at investigating wartime violations and improving the country’s human rights record after more than a decade of civil war.
The resolution, adopted without opposition by the 47-member council in Geneva, marks a shift in international stance toward the newly formed Syrian transitional government, which has pledged to cooperate with global efforts to ensure accountability for crimes committed since 2011.
“Such international support serves as a strong incentive to continue the path of reform,” Syria's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Haydar Ali Ahmad, told the council.
The move comes after rebels, led by current transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa, took control of the capital Damascus in December, forcing former president Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia. Assad’s regime had been accused of grave human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, torture, and the use of chemical weapons, which led to global outrage.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani expressed pride over the country’s involvement in shaping the resolution. “We are proud of Syria's positive and constructive participation in drafting the resolution for the first time,” he stated.
The resolution calls on the new government to fully support the Commission of Inquiry into crimes committed since the outbreak of war, signaling renewed hope for justice and transparency.
Western diplomats also acknowledged the significance of Syria’s shift. UK Ambassador to the UN, Simon Manley, referred to the recent killing of hundreds of Alawite civilians in March as a “chilling reminder of the deep wounds” left by the conflict and stressed the urgency of justice for all communities.
With over 100,000 people still unaccounted for since the war began, the international community has urged Syria to uphold its commitments and assist in uncovering the truth behind years of violence and repression.