The Syrian Coalition welcomed the findings of the latest report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) which confirmed the use of a “toxic chemical” in the bombing of the town of Douma in rural Damascus at the height of the military operation the Assad regime launched against civilians in eastern Ghouta in the spring of 2018.
In a press release issued on Sunday, the Coalition called upon the UN Security Council and the major players in Syria to take the necessary steps to ensure accountability for the use of chemical weapons in the conflict. The Coalition reminded those countries of their commitment to respond if the use of chemical weapons is proven in Syria again.
“OPCW is still required, based on its new mandate which has been expanded recently, to name the party responsible for the chemical weapons attacks in Syria beyond confirming or denying the use of chemical weapons.” the Coalition said.
The Coalition reiterated the importance of supporting OPCW work to “ensure the launch of investigations into all incidents involving the use of chemical weapons.” It also underscored the importance of coordination with Syrian human rights organizations which have been tracking and following up on many cases that have not yet been investigated by the international organization.
“Investigations needs to be continued in order to clearly identify the perpetrators; do justice to the victims; punish those responsible for this crime and all similar crimes; and to prevent further crimes against the Syrian people, whether these involve the use of chemical or conventional weapons.” (Source: Syrian Coalition’s Media Department)
