New York, United Nations — In a sobering address to the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, highlighted the harrowing predicament facing over 300,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon. They are forced to choose between enduring the threat of Israeli airstrikes or returning to Syria, where they risk persecution.
Pinheiro emphasized that prior to the current escalation, only 1.7% of these refugees expressed an intention to return to Syria, citing a well-founded fear of persecution. He noted the intensifying violence in Syria, with increased Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian militias, alongside attacks from U.S. forces and Iranian-backed groups. The report indicated that civilians remain vulnerable to violence from non-state armed groups, with the terror group Da’esh increasing its activity, particularly in central Syria.
The humanitarian situation in Syria is dire, with over 13 million people requiring urgent assistance. However, funding for the UN’s 2024 humanitarian response plan is significantly lacking, with only a quarter of the needed resources secured. Pinheiro condemned the ongoing destruction of housing and properties of displaced persons, stating that Syrians have endured a decade of impunity and are increasingly losing hope.
Delegates from various countries voiced their concerns about the persistent conflict, deteriorating socio-economic conditions, and human rights abuses in Syria. Australia’s representative condemned the indiscriminate bombings in northwest Syria and called for de-escalation from all parties involved. The Netherlands highlighted the ongoing human rights violations and the need for accountability, referring to provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice against Syria.
The United States expressed concerns about the Assad regime’s ongoing practices of arbitrary detention and torture, pointing out that over 157,000 Syrians remain detained or missing. Meanwhile, the representative from the Russian Federation accused the U.S. of undermining Syria’s sovereignty and robbing the country of its resources.
The session also addressed human rights issues in Iran and Afghanistan. Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, reported an alarming rise in executions, particularly for drug offenses and vaguely defined security charges. She also condemned the government’s treatment of women and its lack of compliance with international human rights standards.
In Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation, warned of the Taliban’s rejection of human rights obligations, citing severe violations against women and ethnic minorities. He called for international action to address the deteriorating human rights conditions, stressing the urgency for Afghan women and human rights defenders.
The Committee further discussed the rights of LGBTI+ individuals and persons with disabilities, highlighting the systemic barriers they face in achieving equality and protection. Calls for updated anti-discrimination policies and improved inclusion mechanisms were made to ensure that marginalized groups are represented in the progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
As the international community grapples with these urgent human rights concerns, the need for immediate and coordinated action has never been clearer.