A/HRC/19/69 123. The socio-economic situation in the country has deteriorated, leaving the vast majority of the population in a state of disarray. Meeting basic needs to sustain everyday life has become increasingly difficult for the population at large. In this respect, the commission of inquiry does not support the imposition of economic sanctions that would have negative impact on the human rights of the population, in particular of vulnerable groups. 124. The continuation of the crisis carries the risk of radicalizing the population, deepening inter-communal tensions and eroding the fabric of society. 125. The commission remains convinced that the only possible solution to end the violence is an inclusive dialogue leading to a negotiated settlement that effectively ensures the human rights of all people in the country. 126. The Government has manifestly failed in its responsibility to protect the population; its forces have committed widespread, systematic and gross human rights violations, amounting to crimes against humanity, with the apparent knowledge and consent of the highest levels of the State. Anti-Government armed groups have also committed abuses, although not comparable in scale and organization with those carried out by the State. 127. In accordance with international law, the responsibility to investigate, prosecute and punish international crimes and other gross violations rests first and foremost with the State. The crimes against humanity and other gross violations documented in the commission’s reports have been committed, however, within a system of impunity. Profound structural reforms in the political, justice and security sectors are necessary to break the culture of impunity and to deliver justice to the victims. 128. Reconciliation and accountability should be based on broad, inclusive and credible consultations involving all Syrian people and situated within the framework of international law. International justice mechanisms could be used to support and complement national efforts. 129. In the meantime, thorough monitoring of the situation of human rights needs to be continued and evidence of international crimes and other gross violations systematically collected to facilitate the process of holding those responsible for such acts accountable. 130. The commission makes the recommendations below to immediately end the violence and to initiate a longer process to achieve reform, reconciliation and accountability. A. Ending violence 131. The commission calls for an urgent, inclusive political dialogue, bringing together the Government, opposition and anti-Government actors to negotiate an end to the violence, to ensure respect for human rights and to address the legitimate demands of the Syrian people. A contact group composed of States with diverse positions on the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic should be established to initiate a process leading to such a political dialogue. An international peace conference should be convened as soon as possible to facilitate this process. 22