Final Statement of the Conference on the Occasion of the International, Day of Remembrance for Victims of Chemical Weapons
On the occasion of the International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Chemical Weapons, observed annually on November 30, the Chemical Violations Documentation Center of Syria (CVDCS) and the Free Syrian Lawyers Association (FSLA) organized a conference titled “Justice on Hold” on November 29, 2024, in Gaziantep, Turkey.
The conference brought together Syrian civil society organizations focusing on human rights and humanitarian issues, as well as international personalities, victim associations, survivor groups, and witnesses of chemical attacks in Syria. Participants discussed ways to strengthen international cooperation to combat weapons of mass destruction, ensure the rights of chemical weapons victims, and hold those responsible for their use accountable.
The discussions underscored the importance of continuing thorough field and technical investigations to document violations with precision. The conference commended the critical role played by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and international mechanisms, such as the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM), the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM), and the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT), as well as the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM). However, it was noted that Russia’s use of its veto power in the UN Security Council has hindered the passage of resolutions to ensure accountability.
The conference also emphasized supporting the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and urged its State Parties to reinforce their commitments. Participants highlighted the need to intensify international accountability efforts to achieve a world free from chemical weapons. They stressed that the use of such weapons constitutes both a war crime and a crime against humanity that must not go unpunished, calling for comprehensive support for victims and their families.
Recommendations:
- Enhance support for victims of chemical weapons, including establishing witness protection programs.
- Strengthen the mandate of the OPCW and investigation teams to document chemical weapons use and identify perpetrators.
- Intensify global efforts to establish an independent judicial body to ensure the prosecution of perpetrators and uphold accountability, preventing impunity.
In conclusion, the participants reaffirmed the need for the concerted efforts of states and civil society organizations to achieve a world free from chemical weapons, safeguard the rights of victims, and ensure justice and accountability.
They stressed the importance of bolstering international collaboration to protect global security and peace, prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and adhere to international conventions to achieve lasting global stability.
Final Statement of the Conference on the Occasion of the International, Day of Remembrance for Victims of Chemical Weapons.
chemical_attack chemical_weapons CVDCS justice_on_hold syria
