Franciscans InternationalUrgent Appeal to Hold Syriah Accountable Under International Law
Awareness raising outside the UN in NY
FI co-signed an urgent appeal for the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) to hold a Special Session to consider the findings of the Syrian Commission of Inquiry to ensure accountability.
A report on Syria will be published by the HRC International Commission by the end of November 2011. If it finds that crimes under international law have been committed by the Syrian Government, 61 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) urge for the UN Security Council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.
The appeal calls on States to: “end crimes under international law... and bring those responsible for these crimes to justice... ensure accountability and to provide protection to victims and witnesses of such crimes... by supporting a resolution at the HRC that urges the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the Prosecutor of the ICC if the Commission of Inquiry finds evidence of crimes under international law, including crimes against humanity.”