A/HRC/21/50
148. The commission identified violations of international humanitarian law and
international human rights law committed by members of anti-Government groups.
Those who either ordered or planned the acts, or in the case of those in effective
command and control, failed to prevent or punish perpetrators, bear responsibility.
149. The increased militarization of the conflict is disastrous for the Syrian people
and could provoke tragic consequences for the entire region. A sustained cessation of
hostilities by all parties remains of paramount importance to end the violence and
gross human rights violations and abuses.
150. The commission reiterates that the best solution continues to be a negotiated
settlement involving an inclusive and meaningful dialogue among all parties, leading
to a political transition that reflects the legitimate aspirations of all segments of Syrian
society, including ethnic and religious minorities.
151. Considering the catastrophic threats to the Syrian polity and people, as well as
to the stability of the region, the commission renews the recommendations made in its
previous reports, and emphasizes those that follow.
152.
With regard to the international community:
(a)
Countries with influence over the parties to the Syrian conflict, in
particular the permanent members of the Security Council, should work in concert to
put pressure on the parties to end the violence and to initiate all-inclusive negotiations
for a sustainable political transition process in the country;
(b)
The continued presence of the United Nations in the country is essential
for the effective implementation of the ceasefire and to support the Syrian people in
initiating broad, inclusive and credible consultations to achieve reconciliation,
accountability and reparation within the framework of international law.
153. The commission recommends that the Government of the Syrian Arab
Republic:
(a)
Investigate all violations of international human rights law and
international humanitarian law as set out in the present report to ensure that those
responsible are held to account, in accordance with due process, and that victims are
afforded access to justice and reparation;
(b)
Release immediately all persons arbitrarily detained, publish a list of all
detention facilities and ensure that conditions of detention comply with applicable
law;
(c)
Abide by the rules of armed conflict and distribute the rules of
engagement guiding army and security forces operations;
(d)
Grant the international community immediate access to the affected
areas to provide humanitarian assistance to all those in need.
154.
The commission recommends that anti-Government armed groups:
(a)
Adopt, publicly announce and abide by rules of conduct that are in line
with international human rights law and international humanitarian law standards,
and hold perpetrators of abuses to account;
(b)
Provide relevant humanitarian and human rights institutions with
information on the fate of persons captured, and to give access to detainees.
155. The commission recommends that the Office of the High Commissioner
consolidate a presence in the region to strengthen efforts to promote and protect
human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic.
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