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Human Rights Council resolution on the deterioration of the human rights situation in Syria and the recent killings in Al-Qusayr - June 2013

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

Condemnation of Al-Qusayr Events and Foreign Intervention

  • Condemnation of the Siege and Al-Qusayr Massacre: The Council strongly condemns the attacks launched by the Syrian regime on the besieged city of Al-Qusayr, which resulted in the killing of hundreds of civilians and the injury of thousands.

  • Foreign Intervention (Hezbollah): The resolution strongly condemns the intervention of foreign fighters fighting on behalf of the Syrian regime in Al-Qusayr, specifically mentioning "Hezbollah," expressing concern that this intervention threatens regional stability and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis.

  • Targeting Civilians: The Council deplores the Syrian regime's use of excessive force against the civilian population in the city, including indiscriminate shelling.

Urgent Demands for the Syrian Authorities

  • Cessation of Violence and Killings: The Council demands that the Syrian authorities immediately put an end to all acts of violence and fulfill their responsibility to protect their citizens.

  • Lifting the Siege and Access for Aid: It stresses the need to allow immediate and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations and UN agencies to Al-Qusayr and all affected areas to deliver life-saving aid, including cross-border operations.

  • Protection of Medical Personnel: The resolution demands the protection of medical staff and health facilities and calls for facilitating their work in treating the wounded.

Investigation and Accountability Measures

  • Special Inquiry into Al-Qusayr: The Council requests the independent international commission of inquiry to urgently conduct a comprehensive and independent inquiry into the events in Al-Qusayr and to document the facts to identify those responsible.

  • Detailed Reporting: The Council instructs the commission to include the findings of this special inquiry in its next report to be presented to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-fourth session.

  • Accountability for Perpetrators: The resolution emphasizes the need to end impunity to ensure that those involved in these violations, which may amount to war crimes, are held accountable.

Voting Results

  • Adoption: The resolution was adopted by a recorded vote of 36 in favor, 1 against (Venezuela), and 8 abstentions (including India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Uganda).