Qatar Urges International Community to Assume Responsibilities Towards Human Rights Violations in Syria

Geneva, February 28 (QNA) - State of Qatar called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities towards the systematic violation of human rights in Syria, and ending them, and to provide full protection to the Syrian people. This came in a speech delivered by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah, before the Prompt Discussion Session of the Human Rights Council on the situation in Syria, which was held Tuesday morning in Geneva. HE Dr. Al-Attiyah noted in his speech that this meeting reveals clearly that the systematic violation of human rights in Syria is not in doubt and said, "it is well known to the international community that the State of Qatar, since the beginning of this crisis did not spare any effort for ending it and for the sparing the Syrian people, as HH the Heir Apparent of Qatar and HE the Prime Minister visited Syria, and discussed the matter with the Syrian Government. He regretted that the Syrian regime did not listen to the voice of reason and wisdom, but was only listening to the sound of the guns". HE stressed that the problem lies in two points, the first concerning the methodology of gross violations of human rights and expanding its scope against the Syrian people, which lead to the killing of innocent civilians including elders, children and women, the deprivation of the Syrian citizens of the basic components of life, preventing humanitarian access to the Syrian people, the torture and abuse of citizens, and illegal arrests, forced disappearances and sexual assaults, and the displacement of many Syrian people who resorted to some neighboring countries. In this regard, HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs considered that this practice is a flagrant violation of international law of human rights, international humanitarian law and international norms and conventions, noting that these crimes may amount to crimes against humanity. HE the Minister highlighted the Syrian regime rejection to the resolutions of the Arab League, in particular the decision of January 22, 2012, and the decision of the General Assembly of the United Nations. In this context, HE said, "Unfortunately, instead of the implementation of these decisions and providing protection to the Syrian people, and as a result of the Russian and Chinese veto at the Security Council , the Syrian regime increased its brutal attacks including killing of civilians and journalists. There is no doubt, HE the Minister said the continuation of these violations would lead to serious and irreversible dangers". Referring to the possible solutions to the crisis in Syrian HE Dr. Al-Attiyah stressed the Syrian regime should implement the resolutions of the Arab League, and the opening of safe humanitarian paths for the delivery of aid to the Syrian people, in addition to immediate cessation of hostilities against Syrian people. Concluding, HE emphasized the world's desire that the Human Rights Council assumes its responsibilities in addressing the Syrian crisis firmly, and takes a bold decision to guarantee the rights and freedoms for the Syrian people, in accordance with the International legitimacy as well as the Arab League and the UN General Assembly resolutions by taking deterrent measures towards those who committed crimes against the Syrian people. (QNA)