Italy to UN, dramatic humanitarian situation in Syria

(ANSA) - GINEVRA, 23 SET - The humanitarian situation in Syria is "dramatic" and all parties are called upon to ensure the protection of civilians, Italy's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, said today in Geneva, speaking as part of the Interactive Dialogue with the International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, in the framework of the 57th session of the Human Rights Council.
    While thanking the Commission of Inquiry for the publication of its latest Report, the Permanent Representative stated that "the humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire, as confirmed by the Commission of Inquiry's report, which states continued attacks against civilians, arbitrary detentions, torture, enforced disappearances and deaths in detention that have not been investigated". In this regard - a note from the Representation states - Amb. Grassi expressed full support for the work of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons (IIMP), including in assisting the families of detained and disappeared persons.
    The ambassador also urged "all parties to fulfil their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians and facilitating the provision of humanitarian assistance".
    In conclusion, the Permanent Representative reiterated Italy's full support for the essential work of the Commission of Inquiry and the International, Impartial, Independent Mechanism (Iiim) and reiterated Italy's call for 'the resumption of a political process under the auspices of the United Nations to realise the aspirations of the Syrian people and remains committed to opposing all forms of impunity'.