Situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic: resolution / adopted by the Human Rights Council

Condemnation of Systematic Violence: The Council strongly condemns the continued widespread, systematic, and gross violations of human rights by the Syrian authorities and the Government-controlled "Shabbiha" militia.
Nature of Crimes: These violations include the use of heavy weapons against civilians, massacres, arbitrary executions, extrajudicial killings, and the persecution of human rights defenders and journalists.
Sexual Violence and Targeting Children: The resolution condemns torture, sexual violence, and ill-treatment, including against children, and urges the protection of women and girls from gender-based violence.

Specific Massacres: The Council condemns in the strongest terms the massacre in the village of Al-Houla near Homs, where Government forces and Shabbiha members were found to be the perpetrators of heinous crimes.

Protection of the Population: The Council reiterates its call for the Syrian authorities to meet their responsibility to protect the Syrian population and put an end to all forms of violence.
Release of Detainees: It demands the immediate release of all persons arbitrarily detained, the publication of a list of all detention facilities, and ensuring that conditions of detention comply with international law.
Cooperation with the Commission of Inquiry: The Council regrets the non-cooperation of the Syrian Government with the independent international commission of inquiry and renews its call to grant the commission immediate and unfettered access throughout the country.

Support for Neighboring Countries: The Council expresses grave concern at the growing number of refugees and urges the international community to provide urgent financial support to host countries to respond to humanitarian needs.
Access for Aid: It demands that the Syrian authorities allow and facilitate immediate, unimpeded, and full access for humanitarian organizations to all areas to provide relief and assistance.

Extension of the Mandate: The Council decides to extend the mandate of the independent international commission of inquiry and requests it to continue its work and update its mapping of gross violations since March 2011, including casualty figures.
International Accountability: The Council stresses the need for an international, transparent, and independent investigation to hold those responsible for violations that may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity accountable.

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

Human Rights Council resolution on the situation of human rights in Syria - October 2012