On 18 April 2018, Catherine Marchi-Uhel, Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 presented the first report of the IIIM for the member states. Hungary supports the mechanism and contributes to its funding.
On 18 April 2018, at the informal debate of the General Assembly, Catherine Marchi-Uhel, Head of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 presented the first report of the IIIM on the implementation of its mandate.
Ms. Marchi-Uhel presented objectives and underlying principles of the Mechanism, the steps taken to get the IIIM up and running as well as future challenges of the Mechanism. The informal debate was an excellent opportunity for the International Community to send a clear message that impunity for the atrocities committed in Syria must end. All those responsible for breaches of international law, in particular of international humanitarian law some of which may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity, must be held accountable. Justice and accountability are essential to any future sustainable peace in Syria.
Hungary is a strong supporter of IIIM. We welcome the first report of the Mechanism and highly appreciate the leadership and efforts of Ms. Catherine Marchi-Uhel. Effective functioning of IIIM is vital; therefore, the Hungarian Government has decided to renew its voluntary contribution of 50.000 Euro (offered last year) for 2018 as well.
Ending the culture of impunity is a major contributor to conflict prevention and sustaining peace on national and international levels. The path to justice can be long, but we must act now to ensure that the UN takes all the steps necessary towards an effective international mechanism for Syria.
