39th Session of the Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic Statement by Mr.　Masashi NAKAGOME　Minister,　The Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva (17 September 2018)

　Thank you, Mr. President.

　Japan welcomes the update of the COI report and appreciates the Commission’s efforts.

　Japan deplores the dire human rights situation that persists in Syria seven years after the beginning of the crisis, not least the continuing indiscriminate attacks on civilians including women and children and the unprecedented scale of displacement.

　We emphasize that all parties in the military conflict must respect both international human rights law and humanitarian law in all areas, including Idlib province.

　Japan calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Syria, and we strongly hope that basic human rights will be protected for all persons in the country.

　Japan would like to reiterate its position that the use of chemical weapons is not permissible under any circumstances and strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

　We should not tolerate impunity for those using chemical weapons by any means. It is important to prevent the use of chemical weapons in Syria, including in Idlib province. The crisis in Syria can only be solved through a political solution, not by any military means. Japan urges all parties to cease the use of military means in order to ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance, and to cooperate fully to make tangible progress in the UN-led political process and the constitutional committee.

I thank you, Mr. President.