A/HRC/19/69 report on the presence in the country of individuals and interested parties, some perhaps supported by Governments whose intention is to assist one side or the other. Such information deserves attention in the context of the country‟s pivotal place in the regional and international context and concerns about the consequences of potential changes in its national and international role and relationships. D. Socio-economic impact 34. The crisis has exacerbated pre-existing high levels of poverty and unemployment. The economy is estimated to have shrunk by 2 to 4 per cent in 2011, with a markedly higher drop expected for 2012. Tourism, which accounted for 6 to 9 per cent of gross domestic product, has collapsed. The Government has attributed economic concerns to the sanctions and armed groups sabotaging fuel supplies and civilian infrastructure, while maintaining that such concerns can be addressed through economic self-reliance initiatives. 35. Syrians, particularly day labourers and others in precarious employment situations, are feeling the impact of the downturn. In December 2011, the Minister for Labour and Social Affairs announced that the unemployment rate was in the range of 22 to 30 per cent.12 36. The boycott on Syrian oil exports, sanctions against the banking sector and reported capital flight have devalued the Syrian currency, spurring inflation. The Ministry of the Economy estimated that, by the end of 2011, prices for basic food items had increased by up to 37 per cent, 13 hurting the poor in particular. The Government sought to offset price increases by raising public sector salaries and extending or increasing subsidies on fuel and other essential goods. 37. People have suffered through an unusually harsh winter, while fuel for cooking and heating has become more expensive and scarce, especially in areas of unrest. Power cuts are frequent in many parts of the country. III. Human rights situation 38. Since November 2011, the escalation of violence, owing to the intensification of armed operations, has led to an even more dire human rights situation and increased human suffering. A. Attacks targeting residential areas and civilians 39. Starting in early November 2011, the level of violence between State forces and anti-Government armed groups increased in areas of Homs, Hama, Rif Dimashq and Idlib governorates with a strong presence of such groups. State forces withdrew from and then surrounded many of these areas. Army snipers and Shabbiha14 gunmen posted at strategic points terrorized the population, targeting and killing small children, women and other unarmed civilians. Fragmentation mortar bombs were also fired into densely populated neighbourhoods. 12 13 14 10 Sarah Abu Assali “Labour in vain”, Syria Today. Available from http://syriatoday.com/index.php/focus/17955-labour-invain. “The cost of Syria‟s crackdown”, Al Jazeera, 15 January 2012. Available from www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidesyria/2012/01/2012115721352136.html. A/HRC/C/S-17/2/Add.1, para. 20.