Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you Mr President.
I would like to start by taking this opportunity to congratulate Catherine Marchi-Uhel on her appointment as Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for the crimes committed in the Syrian Arab Republic, and to thank you for presenting the Mechanism’s first report.
New Zealand joins the significant number of voices today in expressing our support for the Mechanism and its work. We stress the need for unity at the global level to counter impunity for the horrific crimes committed in Syria. The establishment of the Mechanism demonstrates that there is political will to take action and to put in place practical measures on the ground. We are committed to cooperating with the Mechanism and encourage others to do so.
For the Mechanism to effectively carry out is work, it needs to be adequately funded. New Zealand is among the long list of countries that have made financial contributions to the Mechanism and we welcome today the announcement of additional contributions. To ensure the long term sustainability of the Mechanism however, it will be important for it to be funded from the regular budget of the United Nations. We encourage the Secretary-General to give this careful consideration.
Last week New Zealand expressed grave concerns at reports of a chemical weapons attack in Eastern Ghouta, Syria. New Zealand condemns this barbaric attack in the strongest terms. The use of chemical weapons by anyone, at any time is against international law. New Zealand supports a full investigation into this attack and we stress that the perpetrators must be held to account. It is essential that the Security Council find common ground to bring an end to the criminal and inhumane acts being perpetrated against Syria’s civilian population.
We will continue to follow the work of the Mechanism closely. You can count on New Zealand’s full support.
Thank you.