Holy See: Syria experiencing crimes against humanity
(Vatican Radio) The Vatican
on Tuesday said it is “urgent” to begin immediately the delivery of
humanitarian assistance to the population of Syria.
Monsignor Richard Gyhra, the
Chargé d’affaires of the Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the United
Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, was speaking at the
United Nations Human Rights Council.
“Recent developments coming
from Syria seem to reinforce the feeling of helplessness in front of an endless
human tragedy caused by the continuation of the conflict and its procession of
refugees, disrespect of human rights and international humanitarian law,” –
Msgr. Gyhra said – “Crimes against humanity are frequent and unpunished;
intentional attacks against the civilian population are daily.”
The Vatican diplomat said
“all parties” should be involved in the peace process.
“A crucial dimension for
reaching a sustainable solution in the peace building process is respect for a
pluralistic society where ethnic, linguistic or religious minorities have their
place as full members of society and the Syrian State,” said Msgr. Gyhra.
“The survival and the
well-being of the aforesaid minorities is the guarantee of a democratic State,
respectful of differences,” – he continued – “In fact, the recognition of their
rights does not weaken in any way the State, on the contrary, it enriches and
strengthens it. In this sense, the return of refugees and IDPs is an essential
condition for reconciliation, reconstruction and sustainability of any solution
of the conflict.”
The full text of the
Holy See’s intervention at the UN Human Rights Council is below
Intervention by Msgr.
Richard Gyhra, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Holy See
to the United Nations and
Other International Organizations in Geneva
at the 31 st Session of
the Human Rights Council
Item 4 – Interactive Dialogue
on Syria
Geneva, 15 March 2016
Mr. President,
Recent developments coming
from Syria seem to reinforce the feeling of helplessness in front of an endless
human tragedy caused by the continuation of the conflict and its procession of
refugees, disrespect of human rights and international humanitarian law. Crimes
against humanity are frequent and unpunished; intentional attacks against the
civilian population are daily. The findings of the International Commission are
more than alarming. On the other hand, some bright spots, in particular the
negotiations that started this week, should push all people of goodwill not to
give up in the search to minimize this human, humanitarian and political
tragedy, and, above all, to continue to work towards a peaceful and negotiated
solution that takes into account the best interests of Syria and all components
of the Syrian nation.
The Holy See, as it was
stated by Pope Francis at the Sunday Angelus Prayer on February 28th last,
would like to give its support to regional and international efforts underway
to consolidate the recently negotiated ceasefire accepted by the majority of
parties involved in the conflict. Regional and international contributions are
indispensable and they should be thoroughly devoted to the interests of the
Syrian people. Any approach attempting to defend in the first place regional or
international interests, using the different parties to the conflict without
considering the future of the country and without taking into account the
unbearable human suffering, are unethical. These would not meet the
requirements for peace and stability in Syria and in the region. Any policy
that ignores the true interests of Syria will be counterproductive, prolong the
conflict with its miseries and will have serious consequences for the region
and the world.
In the process of
reconciliation and peace building the inclusion of all parties is necessary.
All parties involved in the conflict and the International community have a
role to play. They are called to look at the long-term interests of the entire
region and primarily the real interests of Syria. Obviously the war and the
instability do not favor any player but impact negatively all countries
involved, directly or indirectly, in this ongoing conflict. The United Nations,
in the first place, has an encouraging and facilitating role. Any solution must
be based on the rule of law, justice, freedom and respect for human rights.
Donor countries also have an interest in investing in peace and reconstruction.
Indeed, the continuation of the conflict is a blatant failure of all
stakeholders and will only bring grief and instability for all.
A crucial dimension for
reaching a sustainable solution in the peace building process is respect for a
pluralistic society where ethnic, linguistic or religious minorities have their
place as full members of society and the Syrian State. The survival and the
well-being of the aforesaid minorities is the guarantee of a democratic State,
respectful of differences. In fact, the recognition of their rights does not
weaken in any way the State, on the contrary, it enriches and strengthens it.
In this sense, the return of refugees and IDPs is an essential condition for
reconciliation, reconstruction and sustainability of any solution of the
conflict.
As the Holy See has
previously stated it is urgent to begin immediately the delivery of
humanitarian assistance to the population in need and to remove all obstacles
so that humanitarian organizations can have access to all areas. Without the
protection of civilians and their human rights there cannot be a just political
solution. Special care should be given to the weakest groups of society.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, I would like
to recall what Pope Francis recently stated: “I have received with hope the
news of the cessation of hostilities in Syria, and I invite everyone to pray
that this break may bring relief to the suffering population and open the path
to dialogue and to the peace that is so desired.”1
Thank you, Mr. President.
1 Pope Francis, Angelus,
February 28, 2016.
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