Statement by Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
30 June 2020
After nearly a decade of devastating conflict, it has become almost
impossible to overstate the suffering of the Syrian people. Their human
rights situation is appalling. The continued commitment of Member States to
supporting people throughout Syria is essential to their dignity and
survival.
This conference, and the days of dialogue which preceded it, have been an
invaluable opportunity for States and civil society to interact, share
experiences, and discuss the way ahead in this extremely difficult context.
As these discussions about Syria’s future move forward – and as States
commit to continued support for this work – we must ensure that our efforts
are firmly grounded in the framework of human rights.
Only a human rights-based approach can build a just and sustainable future,
in which all the people of Syria can live together in peace and dignity.
The voices of Syrians must be at the center of this work. It is they – the
people who have endured this conflict and violence: victims, widows,
refugees, youth, members of civil society groups and many more – who will
build the future of their country. It should be these women and men who
chart the way forward.
I ask the international community to lift up the voices of people in Syria,
so that they can lead us towards a much-needed and enduring peace. We must
support the Syrians in realizing a future of equality, rights and dignity
for all.