A/HRC/27/60
V.
Conclusions and recommendations
A.
Conclusions
136. The conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic, once between the Government and a
limited number of anti-Government armed groups, has morphed into multiple
shifting conflicts involving countless actors and frontlines. Violence has bled over the
borders of the Syrian Arab Republic, with extremism fuelling the conflict’s
heightened brutality. The regional conflagration, of which the commission has long
warned, illustrates the fallacy of a military solution.
137. As fighting has engulfed civilian areas, the barest possibility of a normal life has
been destroyed. The impact has been particularly grave for women and children,
whose most basic rights are infringed by the conduct of the parties.
138. Clashes resulting from competition for resources, such as natural gas, oil,
electricity, water and agricultural land, have caused civilian deaths. Damage to
infrastructure and to the energy supply have jeopardized the livelihoods of entire
communities.
139. Influential States have turned away from the difficult work required for a
political solution. Some States continue to deliver shipments of arms, artillery and
aircraft or contribute logistical and strategic assistance to the Government. Other
States, organizations and individuals support armed groups with weapons and
funding. The weapons they transfer to the warring parties in the Syrian Arab
Republic are used in the perpetration of war crimes, crimes against humanity and
violations of human rights.
140. Recent events emphasize the urgency of finding a political settlement to the
war. Accountability forms an essential part of the process. As the Security Council
recognized in its resolutions 2139 (2014) and 2165 (2014), the protection of civilians is
pivotal and victims of violations deserve effective redress.
B.
Recommendations
141. The commission of inquiry reiterates the recommendations made in its previous
reports. Further, it makes the recommendations set out below.
142.
The commission of inquiry recommends that all parties:
(a)
Comply comprehensively with human rights and international
humanitarian law, and ensure that material support for individuals and groups is
consistent with these bodies of law;
(b)
Ensure the effective implementation of Security Council resolutions
2139 (2014) and 2165 (2014) (and other relevant presidential statements and
resolutions) on humanitarian access and assistance;
(c)
Promote the understanding of religious law and ensure that its
interpretation and application avoid violence and uphold human rights, especially the
rights of women and children, without discrimination;
(d)
Counter extremist groups and their actions by addressing the
environment giving rise to extremism;
(e)
Ensure that those who have committed or are otherwise responsible for
violations of human rights and international humanitarian law are brought to justice,
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