Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the human rights situation in Syria

19 September 2008

The European Union is concerned at the situation regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms in Syria.

It condemns the arbitrary arrests carried out recently, in particular among human rights defenders and members of the opposition, and calls for an end to these practices. By the same token, it calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the persons detained arbitrarily and reiterates its wish for the right of all defendants to a fair trial to be safeguarded, in accordance with international human rights standards and principles.

The European Union is also deeply troubled by the restrictions on freedom of expression, and in particular the closing down of a large number of internet sites.

It calls on Syria to abide by the international commitments it freely entered into, and first and foremost by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees freedom of opinion and expression and the right to a fair trial.

The European Union intends to continue its efforts towards improving the situation regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms in Syria.

The Candidate Countries Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.