Since the Syrian conflict broke out in 2011, the Security Council has proved incapable of responding to the critical need for action as a result of vetoes exercised by Russia and China, which have blocked several initiatives at the international level to resolve the conflict.
The subsequent failure of the international community to respond has brought individual states to engage in warfare action outside of the international legal framework.
“Today more than ever, the abuse of the veto power has to be addressed. Our organisations again urge the General Assembly to reform the Security Council to prevent the use of the veto when faced with situations involving the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
"It is a call for legality: all violations of international law effectively sap the international community’s ability to work towards a peaceful political solution and to shape Syria’s future.”
A draft Security Council resolution condemning the use of chemical weapons, calling for justice and accountability and requiring the Syrian government to supply its flight logs to international investigators has been introduced this week. This resolution must be adopted. The General Assembly must consolidate the principles which lead to the establishment of a world order that respects international law.