"Justice for the victims is key for an effective and inclusive reconciliation process in Syria. This is why those responsible for war crimes need to be held accountable and as soon as possible" High Representative Federica Mogherini said today, announcing the EU's commitment of €1.5 million to support the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in Syria. This Mechanism was established by UN resolution 71/248 adopted on 21 December 2016, which constitutes a building block to ensure accountability for the crimes committed by all parties in the context of the conflict in Syria.

Today's support is in line with the strategic objectives of the EU Strategy for Syria, adopted on 3 April 2017. Accountability for war crimes, human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law as it is essential to ensuring a meaningful political transition in Syria.

"As the European Union, we confirm today our commitment and our support to the Syrian people and to the UN-led political process towards a political resolution of the crisis. The Syrians deserve peace and justice, and we continue to be at their side in this endeavour”, said Mogherini

The EU announced on Monday new sanctions against 16 additional persons for their role in the development and use of chemical weapons against the civilian population in Syria, in line with the EU's policy to fight the proliferation and use of chemical weapons. These persons include 8 high-ranking military officials and 8 scientists involved in chemical weapons proliferation and delivery.