A/HRC/23/58 failed to take appropriate disciplinary steps and, in most cases, been directly involved in the commission of crimes. VI. Conclusions and recommendations 157. There is a human cost to the political impasse that has come to characterize the response of the international community to the war in the Syrian Arab Republic. The desperation of the parties to the conflict has resulted in new levels of cruelty and brutality, bolstered by an increase in the availability of weapons. Increased arms transfers hurt the prospect of a political settlement to the conflict, fuel the multiplication of armed actors at the national and regional levels and have devastating consequences for civilians. 158. The erosion of the State and of political authority in parts of the country is compounded by the fractious nature of the various parties claiming control of the territory. Syrians are confronted with intensifying damage, displacement and despair. War rages at key flashpoints, deepening the sectarian divide and spilling over into neighbouring countries. 159. While the nature of the conflict is constantly changing, there remains no military solution. The conflict will end only through a comprehensive, inclusive political process. The international community must prioritize the de-escalation of the war and work within the framework of the final communiqué of the Action Group for Syria (Geneva communiqué).7 160. All parties are obliged to respect human rights and international humanitarian law. Both they and their supporters share the responsibility to commit to a peaceful solution. 161. Accountability must be re-emphasized at all levels. 162. Humanitarian access should be sustained and enlarged, with full commitment from all parties. 163. The commission of inquiry renews the recommendations made in its previous reports, and highlights those below. 164. The commission recommends that the international community: (a) Support the peace process based on the Geneva communiqué and the work of the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria; (b) Ensure that any peace negotiation is conducted within the framework of international law, cognizant of the urgent need for a referral to justice at the national and international levels; (c) Commit to ensure the preservation of material evidence of violations and international crimes to protect the right to truth of the Syrian people; (d) Counter the escalation of the conflict by restricting arms transfers, especially given the clear risk that the arms will be used to commit serious violations of international human rights or international humanitarian law; States that exercise 7 24 A/66/865-S/2012/522.

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents