5 February 2013

The depth of the Syrian tragedy is poignantly reflected in the accounts of its victims. Their harrowing experiences of survival detail grave human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The destructive dynamics of the civil war not only have an impact on the civilian population but are also tearing apart the country's complex social fabric, jeopardizing future generations and undermining peace and security in the entire region.

Twenty-first session

Agenda item 4

Human rights situations that require the Council's attention

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Summary
The situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic has deteriorated significantly since 15 February 2012. Armed violence increased in intensity and spread to new areas. Active hostilities raged between Government forces (and the Shabbiha) and anti-Government armed groups. Sporadic clashes between the armed actors evolved into continuous combat, involving more brutal tactics and new military capabilities on both sides. The level of armed violence varied throughout the country.

Twentieth session

Agenda item 4

Human Rights Council situation that requires the Council's attention

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry (CoI) submits this Update pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 19/22 of 23 March 2012. The Update describes the findings of the CoI based on investigations into alleged human rights violations in the Syrian Arab Republic that have taken place since the CoI previous report dated 22 February 2012 (A/HRC/19/69).

Madame President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Commission has consistently expressed its concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. Gross violations of human rights are occurring regularly in the context of increasingly militarized fighting, which – in some areas – bears the characteristics of a non-international armed conflict.

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Established pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution S-17/1 and extended through resolution A/HRC/19/22, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic is requested to periodically update the Council on gross violations of human rights as well as on casualty figures resulting from the conflict.

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SYRIA: Review in the Working Group: 7 October 2011

Please Click here to read Adoption in the Plenary: 15 March 2012

Syria’s responses to recommendations (as of 07.03.2012)

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Follow--up:: Civil society KIT

Nineteenth special session

1 June 2012

S-19/… The deteriorating situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic, and the recent killings in El-Houleh