A/HRC/23/58
failed to take appropriate disciplinary steps and, in most cases, been directly involved in the
commission of crimes.
VI. Conclusions and recommendations
157. There is a human cost to the political impasse that has come to characterize the
response of the international community to the war in the Syrian Arab Republic. The
desperation of the parties to the conflict has resulted in new levels of cruelty and
brutality, bolstered by an increase in the availability of weapons. Increased arms
transfers hurt the prospect of a political settlement to the conflict, fuel the
multiplication of armed actors at the national and regional levels and have devastating
consequences for civilians.
158. The erosion of the State and of political authority in parts of the country is
compounded by the fractious nature of the various parties claiming control of the
territory. Syrians are confronted with intensifying damage, displacement and despair.
War rages at key flashpoints, deepening the sectarian divide and spilling over into
neighbouring countries.
159. While the nature of the conflict is constantly changing, there remains no
military solution. The conflict will end only through a comprehensive, inclusive
political process. The international community must prioritize the de-escalation of the
war and work within the framework of the final communiqué of the Action Group for
Syria (Geneva communiqué).7
160. All parties are obliged to respect human rights and international humanitarian
law. Both they and their supporters share the responsibility to commit to a peaceful
solution.
161.
Accountability must be re-emphasized at all levels.
162. Humanitarian access should be sustained and enlarged, with full commitment
from all parties.
163. The commission of inquiry renews the recommendations made in its previous
reports, and highlights those below.
164.
The commission recommends that the international community:
(a)
Support the peace process based on the Geneva communiqué and the
work of the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of
Arab States for Syria;
(b)
Ensure that any peace negotiation is conducted within the framework of
international law, cognizant of the urgent need for a referral to justice at the national
and international levels;
(c)
Commit to ensure the preservation of material evidence of violations and
international crimes to protect the right to truth of the Syrian people;
(d)
Counter the escalation of the conflict by restricting arms transfers,
especially given the clear risk that the arms will be used to commit serious violations
of international human rights or international humanitarian law; States that exercise
7
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A/66/865-S/2012/522.
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