Syria: Key UN expert group urges human rights-based peace deal at Geneva II Conference -- DisplayNews

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 Syria: Key UN expert group urges human rights-based peace deal at Geneva II Conference

 GENEVA
(21 January 2014) – Representatives of the largest body of independent
experts in the United Nations human rights system called for the
upcoming Geneva II Conference on Syria to agree on measures to swiftly
end the violence. In an open letter* published today, the UN experts
also urged a durable peace that has protection of the human rights of
all as a core obligation and objective.


“The lives, future and fundamental human rights of millions of
affected civilians are at stake in Syria,” said Chaloka Beyani on behalf
the Committee which coordinates the work of Special Procedures’
experts.


The UN Experts pledged to support and assist all positive initiatives
to end the conflict, re-establish the rule of law, and ensure
protection of human rights and humanitarian assistance for all. They
offered their expertise in a wide range of human rights issues and
emphasized that relevant experts should be granted immediate access to
the country to assess the human rights situation.


Mr. Beyani reminded all parties of their obligations to abide by
international human rights and humanitarian law. “Civilians, regardless
of their religion, ethnicity or political affiliation, must be protected
by the Government and opposition groups in the areas they control,” Mr.
Beyani underscored. “War crimes and crimes against humanity have been
documented…perpetrators of such violations must be held accountable,” he
emphasized.


The Experts expressed alarm at civilian deaths. “Protection of the
right to life of civilians must be absolute and unconditional, yet the
death toll from the conflict to-date is well over 100,000 people,” Mr.
Beyani noted, while highlighting “the horrific impact of the conflict on
civilian women, children and elderly persons on all sides.”


The group of human experts drew special attention to the situation of
an estimated 6.5 million people, 30 percent of the Syrian population,
who remain in the country as internally displaced persons, and 2.4
million who are refugees in neighbouring countries. They particularly
highlighted the desperate plight of many who remain under siege close to
the conflict and in areas where there is frequent change of control,
who are facing deteriorating humanitarian conditions.


“The basic needs for security, physical integrity, food, healthcare,
shelter, water and sanitation, and education, are almost impossible to
meet,” Mr. Beyani warned. “Humanitarian actors must be able to operate
freely and their security must be guaranteed by all sides. Humanitarian
corridors should be immediately established by all parties to the
conflict.”


“The hampering of aid to anyone based on their religious or any other
affiliation is unacceptable and a grave violation of human rights,” he
said.