Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Brown for his question. As we watch the seeds of joy in Libya, in another country another regime continues to kill protesters demanding political reform and greater freedom. An estimated 2,000 people have been killed in Syria since civil unrest began in March. Last week, Australia joined other countries in calling on the Syrian President to step aside and announced additional sanctions against members of the Syrian regime.

Today, the government repeats its call for President Assad to step down and to reject the path taken by Gaddafi. Today we share the joy of Libyans but we do not forget the people of Syria. On 19 August, Australia joined the international calls for President Assad to step aside. The people of Syria deserve the opportunity to engage in peaceful political activity without fear of official repression. The Syrian regime must cease violence immediately, respect the right of free and peaceful protest, release political detainees and engage in genuine dialogue that will bring about reform.

Australia continues to urge strong UNSC action, including by referring Syria to the International Criminal Court. We also continue to encourage the Secretary-General to appoint a special envoy to Syria. Australia has been active in the United Nations Human Rights Council, including co-sponsoring a resolution recommending the deployment of a human rights observer mission to Syria. Again on 19 August, we announced further autonomous sanctions to put more pressure on the Assad regime. Our financial sanctions and travel bans now target a total of 34 individuals, including President Assad, and 13 entities. Australia has contributed $3 million to the ICRC's emergency appeal. (Time expired)