Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Syria Human Rights Resolution in the UN General Assembly's Third Committee

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations 
U.S. Mission to the United Nations 

New York, NY

November 22, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today, the United Nations General Assembly spoke up for the people of Syria and against the Asad Regime, which has repeatedly gone to horrific lengths to silence dissent. By overwhelmingly adopting its first-ever resolution on Syria’s human rights abuses, the General Assembly’s Third Committee has sent a clear message that it does not accept abuse and death as a legitimate path to retaining power.

Today’s measure, co-sponsored by 61 states, including the United States and key Arab partners, condemns human rights abuses by the Syrian regime, including the killing, arbitrary imprisonment, and torture of civilians, including children. It calls upon the Syrian authorities to comply with their international obligations and cooperate fully with the Commission of Inquiry established by the UN Human Rights Council. The U.S. will continue working with the international community to press for an end to the violence and human rights abuses in Syria.

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