30 June – The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism – Syria (IIIM) welcomes the UN General Assembly’s decision yesterday to establish an independent institution to clarify the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons in Syria and to provide support to victims, survivors and the families of those missing, in close cooperation and complementarity with all relevant actors.
“This development represents a substantial breakthrough, honouring the unwavering efforts of civil society organisations, victim/survivor associations and families who have persistently called for an international humanitarian response,” said the Head of the IIIM, Catherine Marchi-Uhel.
“For far too long the families have grappled alone with the uncertainty surrounding the fate of loved ones forcibly disappeared, missing, or detained. Their tireless advocacy has now led to the establishment of a dedicated entity to directly address their pressing needs and uphold their right to know.”
Catherine Marchi-Uhel added, “The IIIM is ready to cooperate with this new, independent and humanitarian institution, as requested by the General Assembly and in accordance with the complementary mandates of the two entities.”