Syrian Arab Republic

UPR 40, January 24, 2022
Recommendations by Canada

Recommendation

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Thank you, Mr. President.

The Syrian conflict has given rise to one of the greatest humanitarian disasters of the 21^st century, causing unimaginable suffering and severely threatening regional and international security. An inclusive, Syrian-led political settlement to the conflict, in line with UN Security Council resolution 2254, is the only path towards a sustainable peace.

Canada is profoundly disturbed by the appalling human rights situation in the country and recommends that Syria:

1. Implement an immediate and indefinite nationwide ceasefire.
2. Immediately release human rights defenders and other prisoners of conscience, particularly those detained and imprisoned for participating in peaceful demonstrations since March 2011.
3. Immediately halt the practice of enforced disappearance, arbitrary arrest and detention, and the systemic use of torture, including rape and gender-based violence, and hold all perpetrators to account.
4. Ensure and facilitate unimpeded access for independent humanitarian, protection and human rights organizations in every part of the country, including to places of confinement or detention. 

The Syrian regime’s indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including deliberate targeting of medical facilities and personnel, amount to gross violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.