Veto of UN Security Council action on Syria

Media release

Melbourne

5 October 2011

The Australian Government deeply regrets the obstruction of UN Security Council action against the Syrian regime's continued grave and systematic human rights violations.

China and Russia have vetoed a Security Council resolution, which was supported by nine other members, demanding that the Syrian authorities cease human rights violations, allow fundamental freedoms for the Syrian people, and alleviate the humanitarian situation.

"The veto goes against the international community's intensifying pressure on Damascus to stop its ongoing brutality and respond to the Syrian people's demands for their legitimate freedoms," Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said.

The resolution vetoed by China and Russia arose from intense negotiations in the Security Council at a time of escalating violence in Syria.

"China and Russia must now bear a particular responsibility for persuading Syria to end the violence and implement meaningful change," Mr Rudd said.

"The international community is increasingly distressed by the relentless violence being inflicted upon the Syrian people."

Reports indicate that an estimated 2,700 people have been killed since civil unrest in Syria began in March.

"Australia commends the many brave Syrians who continue to protest, and for whom events in the Security Council will be gravely disappointing," Mr Rudd said.

"We again call on Bashar al-Assad to step down immediately, and for political reform to begin."

Mr Rudd also renewed Australia's call, first made in June, for the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.

Australia imposes sanctions against members of the Syrian regime involved in violence and repression. Australia's autonomous sanctions regime imposes travel and financial restrictions against 34 individuals and 13 entities.

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