A/HRC/25/65 5. The intensity of the conflict reached the threshold of a non-international armed conflict by February 2012 with significant local, regional and international implications. Lebanon’s domestic dynamics have been seriously affected by the war in Syria. Political polarization has markedly increased against the backdrop of local parties’ conflicting positions on the Syrian conflict. Hezbollah’s subsequent direct military involvement on the side of the Government and the mobilization of Sunni fighters to join the ranks of armed opposition groups in Syria aggravated existing sectarian tensions. 6. By the end of 2011, regional cleavages were evident through the positions of various Governments and regional actors either in support of the Syrian Government or the opposition. This regional dynamic increasingly defined the military and political conduct of warring parties and complicated the prospect of a peaceful settlement. On the international stage, differences among the five permanent members of the Security Council prevented an effective approach towards resolving the conflict. 7. The chemical weapons attacks in Damascus governorate on 21 August 2013 and their aftermath have altered the course of international diplomacy vis-à-vis the conflict. As consensus for military action against the Government faltered, a framework agreement was reached between the United States and Russia for the destruction of the Syrian chemical stockpile on 13 September 2013 through Security Council Resolution 2118. Cooperation between the two Governments to broker the agreement signaled a closer approach on the Syrian conflict, particularly on the need for a political settlement. This was a significant departure from their previous positions. International consensus on dealing with the Syrian chemical threat and the need for political settlement led some countries in the region to moderate their approach towards the crisis and accelerated the diplomatic momentum towards the Geneva 2 talks. 8. Despite internal dissension, the Coalition voted in favour of participation in the Geneva II talks which started on 22 January 2014. The basis for the talks. mediated by Joint Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi, is the June 2012 Communiqué which calls for an immediate ceasefire; the formation of a transitional government with executive powers including representatives from the opposition and the government, maintainance of the territorial integrity of Syria and allowing humanitarian access among other aspects. The nature of the transitional Government and the lack of effective means to enforce a ceasefire on the ground remain serious obstacles. Despite serious impediments, the talks represent the most serious diplomatic initiative so far to resolve the conflict. Emphasis on the need for a political settlement is consistent with the Commission’s longstanding position, specifically that there is no military solution to the conflict and that it is only through an inclusive Syrian dialogue that a peaceful transition can be attained. Humanitarian context 9. Nearly nine million people, more than a third of the population, have fled their homes since March 2011. Of these, over 2.4 million are refugees in neighbouring countries, stretching hosting communities to their limits. One-fifth of Lebanon’s population are Syrian refugees. In Jordan, Zaatari camp has become one of the country’s largest “cities”. Thousands of Syrians are also trying to cross from Egypt or Libya to Italy. Hundreds have perished at sea. 10. An estimated 6.5 million Syrians are internally displaced. Of concern is the situation of approximately 250,000 persons who remain trapped. A third round of vaccinations in response to a polio outbreak was carried out in January 2014, reaching more than two million children. The provision of assistance is, however, increasingly manipulated by all sides, in breach of the principle of non-discrimination. Humanitarian actors continue to work in dangerous conditions across the country. 31