Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu for your briefing.
March 2021 marks the tenth anniversary of the Syrian civil war. Ten years ago, when tens of thousands of Syrians came peacefully to the streets to protest against corruption and demand respect for their basic human rights, there was hope for political reforms and transformation. Assad regime’s violent crackdown on the peaceful anti-government protests but turned it into one of the most deadly and destructive conflicts in recent history: about half-a-million people have been killed, many more injured, maimed and tortured, millions have been displaced and their homes destroyed.
One of the defining features of the Syrian conflict has been the repeated and systematic deployment of chemical weapons against civilian populations. We have seen this happening in Ghouta, Douma, Sarmin, Khanh Shaykhun and elsewhere. Syrian regime’s responsibility for chemical weapons use has been confirmed by independent UN and OPCW investigative mechanisms on seven separate occasions. Additionally, in two occasions JIM confirmed their use by ISIL.
Estonia has full trust in the independent, impartial and professional work of the OPCW Technical Secretariat, its investigative bodies and in the credibility of their reports.
There is no justification for the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances. It is imperative to hold accountable all those who have used these arms, oftentimes against defenceless children, women and men. We owe it to the victims, to every each one of them. We need it to heal the country and build peace in Syria. We need accountability to maintain credibility of the norm against chemical weapons.
Regrettably, so far all attempts in the Council to move towards accountability have been blocked by a veto. It is encouraging to see, however, that first criminal inquiries with regard to the use of chemical weapons in Syria have reached courts in Germany and France. There is still hope for justice!
Madam President, gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies remain in the Syrian declaration. The persistent lack of cooperation on the part of Syria means that we do not have clarity on its chemical weapons stockpiles and production facilities. The situation continues to pose threat to international peace and security. We hope that once the OPCW Conference of State Parties resumes in April, it will take appropriate action to address the violations of Chemical Weapons Convention by Syria.
Madam President, Estonia continues to stand up for international law and the fundamental principles of human rights. Today three years ago, Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned with the Novichok chemical nerve agent in Salisbury, the United Kingdom. The same poison was used again in August last year in an attempt to assassinate Russian politician Aleksey Navalny. We condemn in the strongest terms targeted killings of those who dare to speak out against the government and criticise the ruling regime.
I thank you, Madam President.
