Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Madam President,
I would like to start by thanking the Head of the Mechanism, Madam Marchi-Uhel for presenting the ninth report of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for the crimes committed in the Syrian Arab Republic. New Zealand appreciates the opportunity to discuss the important work of the Mechanism in this plenary meeting of the General Assembly.
Like others who have spoken today, New Zealand reiterates its strong support for the Mechanism and the essential work it continues to do in pursuit of justice and accountability. We continue to stress the importance of working collectively against impunity for the atrocities committed in Syria, and the critical role of the Mechanism in these efforts, and in seeking accountability. If there is no justice for the victims of the most serious crimes committed in the Syrian Arab Republic, the rule of law and its fundamental importance will be eroded for everyone. The rule of law, accountability, and respect for the basic tenets of international law are particularly important to reflect on and protect for these reasons.
New Zealand is pleased to observe from the report of the Mechanism that progress is being made toward the fulfilment of its mandate, and we see both aspects of this mandate as very important in order to achieve justice for victims. New Zealand takes the increase in the number of requests for assistance from the mechanism as an indication of the tangible value of its work and the trust placed in it by investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial authorities.
New Zealand also commends the Mechanism’s growing collection of evidence with the assistance of new technologies and digital platforms. We further welcome the Mechanism’s expanding engagement with States, international organisations and civil society.
This includes the collaboration between the Mechanism and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, in order to ensure accountability for the use of chemical weapons in Syria, which has been documented by independent, impartial reports.
We further welcome the commitment by the Mechanism to a holistic and inclusive approach to justice as a key objective towards which its work is oriented, including the integration of thematic gender, children, and youth strategies into its work and as reflected in the Mechanism’s new strategic plan. We welcome the application of this approach in the inquiry into crimes by individuals associated with the Islamic State.
As the report makes clear, the scale and importance of the work to be undertaken by the Mechanism is immense.
Madam President, we will continue to follow the work of the Mechanism closely. You can count on New Zealand’s full support.
I thank you.