The 193-member world body adopted the resolution — an important response to calls from relatives and loved ones of the missing — by a vote of 83-11 with 62 abstentions. Among those who opposed the resolution are Syria, which has said it will not cooperate with the new institution, as well as Russia, China, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba and Iran.
The resolution, led by Luxembourg, highlighted that, after 12 years of fighting in Syria, “there has been little progress in alleviating the suffering of families by providing them with answers about the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons.”
The measure authorizes the creation of an Independent Institution for Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic, under the auspices of the UN, “to clarify the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons…and to provide adequate support to victims, survivors and the families of the disappeared”.
It says that victims, survivors, and relatives of the disappeared should have representation in the new body, which will be based on principles that include “do no harm,” impartiality, transparency, and the confidentiality of sources and information.
According to the resolution, the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, must submit the terms of reference for the new institution within 80 working days, and take steps to expeditiously establish the body and put it into operation. He also establishes that Guterres present reports on the implementation of the resolution within a period of no more than 100 business days.
Before the vote, Luxembourg’s ambassador to the UN, Olivier Maes, told the General Assembly that “every day, relatives, particularly women, face legal and administrative difficulties, financial uncertainties and deep trauma as they continue to search for of their missing loved ones.
He stressed that Guterres recommended in a report last August that UN members consider the creation of an independent institute to clarify the fate of the disappeared. Guterres mentioned that there was insufficient coordination between the current agencies tasked with dealing with the missing in Syria, noting that families often had to go to multiple locations to report disappearances.
Maes indicated that the new institution will be a “one-stop solution,” in one place to collect and compare data, and ensure coordination and communication with all parties.
FUENTE: Associated Press
