UN extends human rights violations probe in Syria

The United Nations Human Rights Council decided Friday to extend the mandate of the independent international commission of inquiry on Syria to investigate human rights violations in the country. In a resolution adopted at its 22nd session, the council requested the inquiry commission to "identify those responsible with a view of ensuring that perpetrators of violations, including those that may constitute crimes against humanity, are held accountable." The resolution, which "strongly condemns the continued widespread and systematic gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms by the Syrian authorities and the government-affiliated militia, as well as any human rights abuses by armed opposition groups," was adopted by a vote of 41 in favor, 1 against and 5 abstentions. It requested the commission to continue its work and to present a written report on the human rights situation in Syria at the council's 23rd and 24th sessions. The commission of inquiry was established in September 2011 by the Human Rights Council to investigate all alleged human rights violations since March 2011 in Syria. The council decided to extend the commission's mandate for the first time in September 2012 at its 21st session.