In his statement at the Pledging Conference for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria, H.E Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva, first referred to the numerous and serious violations suffered by of the Syrian people since 2011 as well as acts of violence and abuses by terrorist groups and foreign fighters, which requires further intensification of efforts to ensure accountability in order to deter such crimes.

Out of its legal, moral and humanitarian responsibilities, the State of Qatar has supported various international efforts to counter the impunity of all perpetrators of violations and crimes in Syria. These efforts culminated in UN General Assembly Resolution 248/71 submitted by the Principality of Liechtenstein and the State of Qatar establishing the International Mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes committed in the Syrian since 2011.  

HE stressed that this mechanism is considered to be the first step that will pave the way for achieving accountability, justice and reparation for the victims among the Syrian people. Besides, achieving accountability is also an essential prerequisite for the success of the political process and the establishment of a comprehensive and lasting peace in Syria, based on the Geneva 1 communique and relevant Security Council resolutions, he added.

He also reiterated the commitment of the State of Qatar to continue supporting the international mechanism out of its belief in the importance of reaching tangible results for the work of the International Mechanism in accordance with its mandate to achieve the principles of justice and accountability and to spare the Syrian people further violations and crimes.

H.E. Ambassador Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri also announced at the Conference a donation by the State of Qatar of US 1 million as a contribution in the operating costs of the mechanism in 2019.