Kuwait: We support efforts to locate missing persons in Syria

Kuwait has affirmed the importance of transitional justice in Syria, as it contributes to achieving national reconciliation, consolidating the rule of law, and preventing the recurrence of violations, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of uncovering the fate of the missing in armed conflicts. This was stated in a speech delivered by Rashid Al-Abdulhadi, Third Secretary of Kuwait’s Permanent Delegation to the United Nations, at a session convened by the UN Security Council under the title “Transitional Justice and the Missing in the Syrian Arab Republic.”

Al-Abdulhadi reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to supporting efforts to uncover the fate of the missing in Syria, in line with Security Council Resolution 2474, which calls for taking all measures to search for persons missing in armed conflicts, determine their fate, enable the return of their remains, and establish appropriate channels for response and communication with families during the search process.

He considered that the humanitarian issue of the missing embodies ongoing human suffering and reflects the tragedies of families and entire communities who are still eagerly awaiting the determination of the fate of their loved ones.

In this regard, Al-Abdulhadi praised the national efforts undertaken by the Syrian government to address the legacy of the past, particularly through the two national committees concerned with transitional justice and the missing. He also stressed that achieving transitional justice in Syria cannot be accomplished in isolation from strengthening the capacities of the Syrian state, noting that any successful approach to transitional justice should be coupled with broader efforts to support early recovery, reconstruction, and the improvement of humanitarian and economic conditions.

The Third Secretary concluded Kuwait’s statement by emphasizing that the current stage represents a highly significant opportunity for the international community to support Syria in a constructive and responsible manner, free from political polarization, thereby enabling Syrian institutions to fulfill their responsibilities and move toward a future characterized by justice, security, stability, and prosperity.