'Stalemate in Syria intolerable': UN commission's chief tells Human Rights Council

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) – The present stalemate in Syria is intolerable, as the country remains unsafe for refugees to return, said the chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria on Friday, urging parties to allow in humanitarian aid.

"There are no ultimate winners, and the country remains one that is unsafe for the return of refugees," Paulo Pinheiro told the UN Human Rights Council, delivering a report that Syria rejected as a "biased approach" and a "waste of time."

"Before Syria plunges deeper into escalating violence and economic decline, we call on the key actors to cease attacks on civilians and respond to their dire needs and urge the government in Damascus to take heed and to respond positively to Syrians' legitimate aspirations and rights as key to ending the conflict."

Pinheiro said Syrian youth are fleeing "in droves," leaving behind a "fragmented state, a crippled economy and destroyed homes" as they no longer believe they have a future in their home country.

He said despite diplomatic efforts to stabilize Syria, including through its readmission to the League of Arab States, Syrians are suffering from escalating unrest and fighting along multiple frontlines, and there are persistent human rights violations and abuses in Syria.

- Access to assistance

"Why is it too much to ask that the parties and the international community ensure that cross-border humanitarian assistance is provided at the necessary scale and in a sustainable manner? Pinheiro said and called on all parties to refrain from hindering humanitarian aid to those in need.

"The colossal failure at the Security Council to reach a consensus to extend the Bab Al Hawa border crossing in July is a stark reminder of how politicization deprives the most vulnerable Syrians of much-needed assistance," he said.

Haydar Ali Ahmad, the Syrian ambassador to the UN in Geneva, told the council, "Holding such meetings and mandates repetitively is nonsensical and a waste of time and resources and efforts.

“Twelve years have passed, and this commission is still insisting on adopting the same biased approach."