The State of Qatar affirmed its commitment to continuing to support the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes Committed in Syria since March 2011, based on its commitment to the principles of accountability and ending impunity for core international crimes and violations of international law. It also noted its support for the sisterly government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the brotherly Syrian people in achieving their aspirations for justice, the rule of law, reconciliation, stability and sustainable peace.
This came in the State of Qatar's statement delivered by Her Excellency Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, at the UN General Assembly meeting under the item "Prevention of Armed Conflict" on the report of the International Mechanism, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Her Excellency said that the issue of "preventing armed conflict" is a fundamental pillar of the State of Qatar's foreign policy, which the State seeks to achieve through its international efforts in the field of mediation or preventive diplomacy, as well as through supporting justice and accountability. In this context, she added that the State of Qatar played a leading role, alongside the Principality of Liechtenstein, in the efforts that led to the establishment of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 71/248.
Her Excellency explained that the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) is of particular importance today as a key entity supporting and strengthening accountability efforts in the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic. Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar's welcome of the report's reference to the mechanism's response to positive developments in Syria, including its field visit to Syria last December, the first in eight years since its establishment, and the holding of positive contacts and constructive discussions.
Her Excellency said: "We commend the Syrian government's responsiveness and constructive cooperation with the international mechanism, within the framework of the government's clear commitment to justice and accountability, which facilitates the mechanism's fulfillment of its mandate. In addition, the Syrian government is taking practical and tangible steps to engage and cooperate with various international and UN bodies, demonstrating its desire to play a positive role at various levels to ensure security, stability, and human rights."
Her Excellency noted that the State of Qatar welcomes the progress made by the International Mechanism in implementing its strategic plan, particularly in enhancing its capacity to handle, process, and analyze large amounts of complex information and evidence within the framework of strategic investigations, and prioritizing data integrity and accuracy.
She added that the State of Qatar also welcomes continued engagement with civil society and various relevant actors to support preservation, collection, and analysis activities, as well as cooperation with relevant international bodies, particularly the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, access to the archives of the United Nations Mission to Investigate Allegations of the Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria, and communication with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry and the Independent Foundation on Missing Persons. She stated that the State of Qatar commends the international mechanism's reaffirmation of its commitment to inclusive justice for all, to the principles of impartiality and independence, and to a victim- . and survivor-centered approach
