Report of the Human Rights Council on Syria
FCO Minister David Lidington: "I am particularly disturbed by the reports of human rights violations and abuses committed against children."
The latest report of the Human Rights Council mandated Commission of Inquiry into human rights violations in Syria was published today.
Foreign Office Minister, David Lidington, said:
“The evidence of human rights violations and abuses perpetrated by all parties, documented in the latest UN Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry report, is a chilling reminder of how far the situation in Syria has deteriorated over the last six months. I am particularly disturbed by the reports of human rights violations and abuses committed against children.
“The report is clear that the gravity, frequency and scale of human rights violations perpetrated by the Syrian Government and its Shabbiha militia far exceeds abuses committed by anti-government armed groups. The Syrian government has not simply failed in its responsibility to protect its citizens, but continues to repress them on a daily basis. The report lays the blame squarely at the regime’s door for the horrific massacre in Al-Houlah, confirming the earlier findings of UNSMIS and British-trained human rights activists.
“The wide ranging information collected by the Commission of Inquiry, including details of individuals believed to be responsible for these crimes, will make a significant contribution towards efforts on accountability. I commend its work in gathering more than 1,000 witness statements since September 2011, as well as examining significant amounts of disturbing material such as photographs, videos and medical records. As an independent body, its work is invaluable and we call for an extension of its mandate.”