UN chief calls for enhancing international mechanisms to protect human rights in Syria

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on the international community to enhance its mechanisms to protect human rights in Syria following the fall of Bashar Assad regime.

"The Middle East is being consumed by many fires. But today there is a flame of hope in Syria. That flame must not be extinguished. The people of Syria stand at a moment of history – and a moment of opportunity. That opportunity cannot be missed," Guterres said at a news conference in the UN's New York headquarters.

Describing the Assad regime as "decades of brutal, dictatorial rule," Guterres expressed solidarity with the people of Syria and said: "We recognize that this moment offers a long-sought chance for all Syrians to realize the aspirations that sparked their peaceful movement for change in 2011 — and their call that echoed across the country that the Syrian people are one."

He said that the political transition should be "managed carefully" and warned against "a real risk" that might unravel.

"The political transition ahead must be by Syrians, and for Syrians – all Syrians. It must be inclusive, credible and peaceful. All communities must be fully integrated into the new Syria," the UN chief said.

Guterres said that he spoke to a number of leaders from the region and beyond regarding the situation in Syria.

He further emphasized the importance of determining the fate of missing persons in Syria, and said: "The General Assembly created the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria. I am announcing today the appointment of Karla Quintana of Mexico as Head of the Institution. She and her team must be allowed to fully carry out their mandate."

"Indeed, all international mechanisms to advance the protection of human rights in Syria and accountability for crimes committed – must have what they need to carry out their vital work," he said.

Stressing the continued threat of Daesh/ISIS terror group in Syria, Guterres denounced Israel's continued attacks and said: "They are violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They must stop."

About the Israeli army's presence in the area of separation at the Golan buffer zone in Syria, he said: "Let me be clear: There should be no military forces in the area of separation other than UN peacekeepers – period. Israel and Syria must uphold the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, which remains fully in force."

Noting the importance of "Syria’s sovereignty, territorial unity, and integrity," Guterres said: "This is a decisive moment – a moment of hope and history, but also one of great uncertainty."

"But it is the obligation of the international community to stand with the people of Syria who have suffered so much. Syria’s future must be shaped by its people, for its people, with the support of all of us," he added.