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Foreign Secretary: UN report “stark reminder of horrific situation in Syria”

Foreign Secretary William Hague: "The regime’s flagrant disregard for its people, conducting its repression even in the presence of observers, is unacceptable and must stop immediately."

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Following the release of the latest report by the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said:

“The Commission of Inquiry’s report is a stark reminder of the horrific situation in Syria and the terrible price being paid by the Syrian people. We condemn unequivocally the human rights violations and abuses committed by all parties, including those by armed rebels. We urge all sides to step back from violence. This highlights the vital need for all elements of the Joint Special Envoy Annan’s six point plan to be implemented.

“I am particularly appalled by the barbaric actions of pro-government militia - forces which the Commission said were likely to have carried out the massacre at al-Houla - and shameful regime operations which include the use of helicopter gunships and artillery against entire neighbourhoods. The regime’s flagrant disregard for its people, conducting its repression even in the presence of observers, is unacceptable and must stop immediately. So too must the regime’s systematic and widespread violations that include arbitrary arrest and detention, violations of children’s rights and sexual violence against civilians. Those responsible should be held to account. They should have no impunity and no hiding place. We will continue to do all we can to ensure this and support the critical work of the Commission”.

Published 27 June 2012