A/HRC/RES/S-16/1 United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 4 May 2011 Original: English Human Rights Council Sixteenth special session 29 April 2011 Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council S-16/1 The current human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic in the context of recent events The Human Rights Council, Guided by the Charter of the United Nations and General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006, Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and relevant international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and that all States are bound to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, Recalling article 4 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with regard to rights that may not be derogated from under any circumstances, even in a public emergency, Expressing deep regret at the death of hundreds of people in connection with the recent and ongoing political protests in the Syrian Arab Republic, and grave concern at alleged deliberate killings, arrests and instances of torture of peaceful protesters by the Syrian authorities, Noting the recent statement made by the Secretary-General, in which he called for an independent, transparent and effective investigation into the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, Noting also the recent statements made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and certain United Nations special procedures mandate holders with regard to the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, in which they called for an end to the killings, as well as for accountability, protection of human rights defenders and respect for freedom of expression, Noting further the stated intention of the Syrian Arab Republic to take steps for reform, and urging that country to take urgent and concrete measures to meet the legitimate demands of its people, including by enlarging the scope of political participation and dialogue, following through on the abolition of the High State Security Court and lifting measures restricting the exercise of fundamental freedoms, GE.11-13054