Human Rights Council - Adoption of a resolution on Syria - Statement by Mr Alain Juppé, Ministre d’Etat, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs

Paris, 29 April 2011

France welcomes the adoption by the Human Rights Council of a resolution on the human rights situation in Syria. Together with its partners, it strived resolutely to ensure that the Human Rights Council took action.

In line with our appeals, the Council, and with it the international community, is sending a very strong message firmly condemning the massive human rights violations perpetrated by the Syrian regime, the death of numerous civilians, including again today, the arbitrary arrests and the unacceptable acts of torture.

The Syrian authorities must put an end to the unacceptable crackdown that is continuing to take place. They must release the prisoners of conscience, guarantee the freedom of expression and assembly, and the freedom of the press. A credible and impartial investigation mechanism must be implemented in order to bring those responsible for this violence to justice. This mechanism should be conducted in full cooperation with the mission dispatched by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, mandated by the resolution.

France remains fully mobilized with its partners to put an end to the unacceptable crackdown that is taking place and will continue to work in this direction.



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