GENEVA: Major powers backing warring sides in Syria appear to have become “accomplices” in the bloodshed, the UN rights chief said Friday, blasting as “shameful” the failure to pursue justice for victims in the war-ravaged country.
Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said in a statement that renewed violence in Syria, including strikes on markets and medical facilities, showed a “monstrous disregard for civilians lives by all parties to the conflict.”
But he directed especially tough criticism toward the powerful countries influencing the conflict.
“The persistent failure of the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC) is an example of the most shameful form of realpolitik,” Zeid said. “In the minds of many, the world’s great powers have in effect become accomplices to the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of human beings, and the displacement of millions.”
The comments appeared to be reference to both the United States, which is backing some rebel groups and Russia, a key supporter of President Bashar Assad.
Assuming Damascus does not directly ask the ICC to intervene, referring the conflict to The Hague-based court would require approval of the Security Council’s permanent members, including Russia and China which until now have blocked any such referral. The rights chief joined a list of world leaders who have expressed grave concern over the rapid deterioration of a cease-fire declared on Feb. 27.
“The violence is soaring back to the levels we saw prior to the cessation of hostilities,” Zeid said, warning that all signs pointed to “a lethal escalation” in the conflict.
Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said in a statement that renewed violence in Syria, including strikes on markets and medical facilities, showed a “monstrous disregard for civilians lives by all parties to the conflict.”
But he directed especially tough criticism toward the powerful countries influencing the conflict.
“The persistent failure of the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC) is an example of the most shameful form of realpolitik,” Zeid said. “In the minds of many, the world’s great powers have in effect become accomplices to the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of human beings, and the displacement of millions.”
The comments appeared to be reference to both the United States, which is backing some rebel groups and Russia, a key supporter of President Bashar Assad.
Assuming Damascus does not directly ask the ICC to intervene, referring the conflict to The Hague-based court would require approval of the Security Council’s permanent members, including Russia and China which until now have blocked any such referral. The rights chief joined a list of world leaders who have expressed grave concern over the rapid deterioration of a cease-fire declared on Feb. 27.
“The violence is soaring back to the levels we saw prior to the cessation of hostilities,” Zeid said, warning that all signs pointed to “a lethal escalation” in the conflict.
