PAX believes that the Dutch government and the international community should speak out against continued bombings and the occupation of parts of Syria. It is problematic that the Netherlands has not done so.
Hundreds of attacks
Israel, which has occupied the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967, also took control of an adjacent buffer zone and surrounding areas last week. This directly contradicts previously made agreements to demilitarize the area, according to the UN. In the past few weeks, Israel has also carried out hundreds of attacks on Syria, causing significant damage and violating the country’s sovereignty.
Violations of international law
Turkey has occupied parts of northern Syria for years, where it supports Syrian armed groups and carries out attacks on Kurdish communities. Turkey claims it is acting against terrorists, but is committing violations of international law. The United States also has a military presence in northern Syria, where it cooperates with Kurdish fighters and carries out attacks on the Islamic State. Additionally, there is a Russian military presence in Syria, and Iran and Hezbollah are involved in the conflict.
A truly free Syria is only possible if neighboring countries and major powers allow for it and all communities are given equal rights, fully participate in society and are protected, including against foreign aggression. PAX asks the Dutch government to critically speak out against the occupation and military involvement of several countries in the Syrian conflict and to directly address our allies on these issues. It is concerning that so far, this has not happened.
Downvote by Dutch Parliament
A motion last week called on the Dutch government to condemn Israel’s occupation of the demilitarized zone in Syria. Minister of Foreign Affairs Veldkamp advised against the motion, and the Dutch Parliament then voted it down. Only 47 of the 150 members of Parliament supported the motion. The minister also refrains from speaking out against the occupation of Syria by Turkey and the United States.
This position of the Dutch government is yet another example of our double standards. While we regularly call some countries out for occupation, we exempt other countries from criticism. This attitude is wrong and complicates the path to peace.
