Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Syria

Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America

As Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor

Human Rights Council 50th Session

Thank you, Mr. President.

And thank you, commissioners, for your valuable documentation, particularly on the regime’s innumerable atrocities.

Unfortunately, women have been uniquely affected by many of the tragedies in Syria, including the protracted issue of the missing and arbitrarily detained.

As the High Commissioner has illustrated, the effects on women are severe. Women have become the sole breadwinners for their families while carrying out “the often terrifying and demoralizing” search for their loved ones and often while facing legal challenges, discrimination, threats, coercion, and reprisals. And yet Syrian women are at the forefront of the demand for justice and accountability.

The United States commends the tireless and brave Syrian human rights defenders and survivors who, despite immense suffering, have united to lead the charge on the search for the missing.

We call on Assad and the regime to release arbitrarily detained persons, provide the names and the locations where detainees will be released, and make support services available.

We look forward to the UN’s recommendations for measures to hasten the release of those missing and arbitrarily detained in Syria.

Question: How can we coordinate existing efforts to make progress on missing persons as called for by Syrian women and their families?

I thank you.

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