Arria-formula meeting of the Security Council on transitional justice and missing persons in the Syrian Arab Republic
Statement by H.E Ms. Briony Daley Whitworth, Acting Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
21 July 2026
Thank you, Chair.
Australia thanks Colombia, Denmark, Luxembourg and the Syrian Arab Republic, for convening this important discussion.
Australia recognises the steps the Syrian Transitional Government has taken –
- to address past atrocities,
- promote accountability,
- and support national reconciliation after years of conflict –
– including the work of Syria’s National Commission for Transitional Justice:
- to gather and preserve evidence,
- engage with affected communities, and
- help support the prosecution of former officials for atrocities committed under the Assad regime.
Australia encourages further steps to address the full scope of conflict atrocities and bolster the meaningful participation of those most affected: victims, survivors, and their families.
We support a Syrian-led transitional justice process grounded in international law, transparency, and close cooperation between Syria's commissions, civil society and key United Nations mechanisms.
In particular, we highlight the vital and complementary roles that
- the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic,
- the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, and
- the Commission of Inquiry
continue to play in locating the missing; collecting, preserving and analysing evidence; and monitoring ongoing incidents.
Chair,
Lasting peace requires rebuilding confidence in institutions, in accountability, and in the protection of all Syrians.
Australia remains committed to supporting an inclusive and accountable Syrian-led transition that helps deliver a peaceful future for the Syrian people.
Thank you.