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Human rights cases that require the Council's attention - the deterioration of the human rights situation in Syria and the need to grant the investigation committee immediate access - June 2013

The deterioration of the situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic, and the need to grant immediate access to the commission of inquiry : draft resolution / Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America

Condemnation and Grave Violations

  • Condemnation of Ongoing Violence: The Council strongly condemns the continued widespread and systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms by the Syrian authorities and the "Shabbiha" militias.

  • Nature of Violations: These violations include the use of heavy weapons and aerial bombardments against residential areas, arbitrary executions, extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances.

  • Foreign Interventions: The resolution expresses grave concern at the involvement of foreign fighters fighting on behalf of the Syrian regime, specifically "Hezbollah," as it poses a threat to regional stability.

  • Al-Qusayr Massacre: The resolution strongly condemns the coordinated attacks launched by the Syrian authorities and their allied forces on the city of "Al-Qusayr" and the resulting massive civilian casualties.

Demands for the Syrian Authorities

  • Cessation of Attacks: The resolution demands that the Syrian Government immediately put an end to all attacks against civilians and comply with its obligations under international law.

  • Release of Detainees: It calls for the immediate release of all persons arbitrarily detained and the publication of a list of all detention facilities.

  • Access for the Commission of Inquiry: It demands that the Syrian authorities grant the independent international commission of inquiry immediate, full, and unfettered access throughout the country without any conditions.

Humanitarian Situation and Refugees

  • Facilitating Relief: It demands that the authorities facilitate the access of humanitarian organizations through the most efficient routes, including cross-border operations as an urgent priority.

  • Protection of Medical Personnel: It emphasizes the need to protect medical personnel, facilities, and transport consistent with international law.

  • Support for Host Countries: It urges the international community and donors to provide urgent and increased support to Syrian refugees and their neighboring host countries to meet the growing burdens.

Accountability and Justice

  • Ending Impunity: The resolution stresses the need to hold those responsible for gross violations that may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity accountable.

  • Evidence Collection: It urges the commission of inquiry to continue documenting all violations and identifying those responsible to ensure justice in the future.