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Human Rights Council resolution on the continuing serious deterioration of the human rights and humanitarian situation in Syria - April 2015

The grave and deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the Syrian Arab Republic : resolution / adopted by the Human Rights Council at its 29th session

Summary of the Resolution
A/HRC/RES/29/16 (2015)
The grave and deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the Syrian Arab Republic

This resolution focuses on the serious and ongoing deterioration of the human rights and humanitarian situation in Syria, reflecting deep international concern over escalating violations during the conflict.

First: Violations and Condemnation
The resolution strongly condemns widespread and systematic human rights violations, including:

  • Mass killings and excessive use of force
  • Torture and arbitrary detention
  • Attacks against civilians
  • Siege and starvation used as methods of warfare

Second: Accountability
The resolution emphasizes the need to hold those responsible for violations accountable and to end impunity. It stresses that some acts may amount to:

  • War crimes
  • Crimes against humanity

Third: Humanitarian Situation
The resolution expresses concern about:

  • The deterioration of humanitarian conditions
  • Restricted access for humanitarian aid
  • The suffering of internally displaced persons and refugees
    It calls for unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.

Fourth: International Commission of Inquiry
The resolution supports the work of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria. It calls for granting it access to Syrian territory and for the continuation of documenting violations.

Fifth: Demands to the Syrian Government
The resolution calls on the Syrian government to:

  • Immediately cease all violations
  • Release arbitrarily detained persons
  • Respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law

Sixth: Other Parties
The resolution also condemns violations committed by non-state armed groups, including terrorist groups, and emphasizes that all parties bear responsibility.

Conclusion
The resolution represents a strong international condemnation of the deteriorating situation in Syria, combining political pressure, calls for accountability, and emphasis on the humanitarian dimension, while stressing that resolving the crisis requires ending violations and ensuring justice for victims.

Link to the resolution from the United Nations Library