New York/Information Office/ 13 February 2017/ The State of Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations HE Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani stressed the importance of accountability for war crimes in Syria, noting in this context the efforts made by the State of Qatar towards upholding the principle of accountability for the most serious crimes committed in Syria.

HE Ambassador Sheikha Alya noted the UN General Assembly Resolution 71/248, filed by the State of Qatar and the Principality of Liechtenstein, which established an independent, impartial international mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the crimes committed in Syria since 2011.
She considered the resolution to be the United Nations General Assembly's first step towards ensuring justice for the victims and survivors of the serious large-scale crimes, and towards addressing the grievances of the Syrian people.
HE Sheikha Alya confirmed that any political transition or political solution without accountability prosecution of those involved in crimes against humanity or war crimes will not lead to the success of the political process.
She reviewed the steps taken by the State of Qatar through the formation of the group of friend countries for accountability for war crimes and human rights violations in Syria, which is co-chaired by the State of Qatar and the Principality of Liechtenstein. forming this group was triggered by the UN Security Council failure to refer the crimes in Syria to the International Criminal Court, she added.
She also noted the numerous meetings held by the State of Qatar in partnership with concerned civil society organizations, stressing the need to hold accountable those responsible for mass atrocities.
She expressed satisfaction with the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of General Assembly resolution, which established a mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for committing crimes against humanity and war crimes in Syria.
The State of Qatar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations HE Ambassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani reiterated the State of Qatar's commitment to supporting the mechanism and ensuring its implementation.