Check against delivery 18th Session of the HRC (Geneva, 19 September 2011)
Statement by the Republic of Korea
Agenda Item 4 (ID with OHCHR on Syria)
Statement by the Republic of Korea
Madam President,
My delegation would like to express our appreciation to those who engaged in the recent Fact-Finding Mission and for their dedicated work to shed light on the events which have played out in Syria since March of this year.
The Government of the Republic of Korea would like to express its deep concern over the results of the Mission’s report which found that the widespread, systematic human rights violations have been committed by military and security forces within the current Syrian government. We are especially troubled by the fact that the estimated death tolls have risen to 2,600 even after we delivered a unified and firm message at the previous special session.
In this regard, the Republic of Korea would like to reiterate our strong condemnation of any use of excessive force by the Syrian government, and call on its leaders to immediately put an end to such violence.
The Government of the Republic of Korea believes that the regime, which continues merciless and violent crackdown against its people calling for democratic reforms, is no longer legitimate. My government therefore urges Syria’s leaders to accommodate and work with its people who are calling for democratization for a better future of the country.
Taking note of the recent appointment of the members of the Commission of Inquiry, we hope that they be dispatched as early as possible, and urges the Syrian government to render its full cooperation to this Commission, as such collaboration is essential for the carrying out of its mandate.
Madam President,
The Republic of Korea would like to reiterate that the Syrian government should respect the democratic aspirations of its people and that the current leadership should demonstrate a full commitment to protecting and promoting the fundamental human rights of its citizens. Our government puts forth our unwavering support of and dedicated participation in all international endeavors to this end. Thank you /END/
