A/HRC/19/11 noted that the mass arrests, arbitrary detentions, torture and targeted killings by the Government continued unabated, and called upon President Assad to step aside immediately.2 It made recommendations. 32. Bangladesh acknowledged that Syria was going through a political turmoil. It noted progress in social and economic rights and commended the country for hosting a large number of refugees. It urged all concerned to give up violence, ensure the protection of innocent civilians, and engage in a constructive, inclusive and transparent dialogue to resolve the ongoing impasse. Bangladesh made recommendations. 33. France stated that around 3,000 persons, including children, had been killed in the repression of peaceful protests, that at least 10,000 persons, including women and children, were in detention, and that more than 100 people had died under torture. It noted the statement of the High Commissioner for Human Rights that some of these crimes might be qualified as crimes against humanity. France made recommendations. 34. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea commended Syria on its efforts to maintain security and stability. It highlighted the importance of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Syria. It indicated that any solution could only be the outcome of Syrian-led policies without foreign intervention. It made recommendations. 35. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted the establishment of several human rights mechanisms as well as achievements in economic, social and cultural rights. It welcomed the announcement by Syria of reforms intended to bring comprehensive change and a better future for the Syrian people. It asked about measures to end the human rights violations committed in the occupied Golan. It made recommendations. 36. Lebanon inquired about steps to provide youth with opportunities for employment. It noted that it had a long-standing and strong brotherly relationship with Syria, rooted in geography, history, culture and social proximity. It was on this basis that Lebanon wished for the stability and prosperity of Syria, and for progress in the promotion and protection of human rights, especially in those difficult times. Lebanon made recommendations. 37. Slovakia reiterated its regret over the failure of Syria to grant access to the factfinding mission established by the Human Rights Council in its resolution S-16/1. It stated that Syria had lost legitimacy due to human rights violations that may amount to crimes against humanity. Slovakia made recommendations. 38. Brazil was seriously concerned over the human rights situation in Syria. It condemned acts of violence perpetrated by all sides and stated that the violent response to peaceful protests was unacceptable. It appreciated efforts to ensure food security, improve health indicators and address protection issues for refugees raised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. It made recommendations. 39. Turkey called on Syria to respect international human rights and amend laws that obstruct fundamental freedoms, and to stop its security forces from using live ammunition against protesters. It urged Syria to promptly investigate and prosecute those responsible for deaths in custody and to cooperate fully with the Human Rights Council and other international organizations. 2 Cuba made a point of order stating that it was entirely unacceptable for the United States to call upon the Syrian authorities to step down immediately. Neither the Human Rights Council, nor any other United Nations forum, was the appropriate forum for such request. The President of the Human Rights Council urged all delegations to remember that points of order were for raising procedural matters, and called on the delegation to continue the dialogue in the Council’s customary climate of respect. 7