Skip to main content

Human Rights Council resolution on the continuing serious deterioration of the human rights and humanitarian situation in Syria - October 2014

The continuing grave deterioration in the human rights and humanitarian situation in the Syrian Arab Republic : resolution / adopted by the Human Rights Council

1. Condemnations and Violations:

  • Deteriorating Situation: The Council strongly condemns the continuing grave deterioration of the human rights and humanitarian situation in Syria, including indiscriminate killing and deliberate targeting of civilians.

  • Crimes by Terrorist Groups: The resolution condemns the violations and abuses committed by terrorist groups, such as the so-called ISIS and Al-Nusra Front, including executions, torture, and the targeting of religious and ethnic minorities.

  • Use of Heavy and Chemical Weapons: It deplores the continued use of barrel bombs and heavy weaponry by the regime, and notes reports of the use of chlorine gas as a weapon.

2. Demands and Obligations:

  • Cessation of Violence and Accountability: It demands that all parties immediately end all violence and stresses the need to end impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

  • Release of Detainees: The Council calls for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained persons and those kidnapped by either the authorities or terrorist groups.

  • Humanitarian Access: It demands the implementation of Security Council resolutions to ensure unhindered cross-border and cross-line humanitarian access.

3. International Actions:

  • Extension of Inquiry: It urges the Independent International Commission of Inquiry to continue its work in documenting violations and gathering evidence for future justice.

  • Support for Refugees: It calls on the international community to provide urgent support to host countries (Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, and Egypt) to cope with the increasing burdens.

4. Voting Results:

  • Adoption: The resolution was adopted by a recorded vote of 32 in favor, 5 against (Algeria, China, Cuba, Russian Federation, and Venezuela), and 10 abstentions.