The deteriorating situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic, and the recent killings in EI-Houleh : resolution / adopted by the Human Rights Council

Condemnation of Wanton Killing: The Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the outrageous use of force against the civilian population and the killing of dozens of men, women, and children in the village of El-Houleh.
Details of the Attack: UN observers confirmed that the attacks involved the wanton killing of civilians by shooting at close range and severe physical abuse by pro-regime elements, along with Government artillery and tank shellings of residential neighborhoods.
Killing of Children: The Council condemns in the harshest terms the outrageous killing of forty-nine children, all under the age of 10.
Crimes Against Humanity: The Council noted that these atrocities may amount to crimes against humanity.

Immediate End to Violence: The Council reiterates its urgent call upon the Syrian authorities to put an immediate end to all violence and human rights violations.
Unfettered Access: It calls upon the authorities to immediately allow United Nations human rights mechanisms and missions full and unfettered access and freedom of movement within the country.
Humanitarian Relief: The resolution calls for granting immediate and full access to humanitarian organizations to provide relief in all areas.

Special Inquiry: The Council requests the commission of inquiry to urgently conduct a comprehensive and independent special inquiry into the events in El-Houleh.
Identifying Perpetrators: The commission is requested to publicly identify those responsible for these atrocities and preserve evidence for future criminal prosecutions or justice processes.
Kofi Annan’s Plan: The Council calls for the urgent and immediate implementation of all elements of the six-point proposal by the Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan.

Adoption: The resolution was adopted by a recorded vote of 41 in favor, 3 against (China, Cuba, and the Russian Federation), and 2 abstentions (Ecuador and Uganda).

Human Rights Council resolution on the deteriorating human rights situation in Syria and the recent killings in Houla - June 2012