UNGA panel examines Arab draft resolution on human rights in Syria

The United Nations General Assembly's Humanitarian Committee is examining an Arab draft resolution that would "strongly condemn" the Syrian Government for the continued widespread and systematic gross violations of human rights notably the use of chemical weapons in Al-Ghouta on August 21. The vote is expected in the next few days. The Committee's move is the third since the Syrian crisis began in March, 2011. The Committee would call on the Security Council to take the necessary measures against all those responsible for the chemical weapons attack and to put an end to all serious violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of international human rights law committed in Syria. It would also "strongly condemn" the intervention of all foreign combatants in Syria, including those fighting on behalf of the Syrian authorities, and in particular Hezbollah, and encourage the Security Council to consider "appropriate measures" to ensure accountability in Syria and stress the important role that international criminal justice could play in this regard. But it would also "condemn" all violence, irrespective of where it comes from, and call upon all parties to immediately put an end to all forms of violence, including terrorist acts and acts of violence or intimidation that may foment sectarian tensions, and to comply strictly with their obligations under international law. It would underline the importance that the Syrian people "should determine -- the domestic process and mechanisms to achieve reconciliation, truth and -- reparations and effective remedies for the victims". It would also reaffirm its support for the Geneva Communique of June, 2012, and demand that all Syrian parties implement rapidly the transition plan in a way that assures the safety of all in an atmosphere of stability and calm. The Assembly would welcome in the preambular part of the draft resolution Kuwait's hosting of the second Pledging Conference for Syria in January, 2014, and UN and Arab League efforts towards achieving "a solution to the Syrian crisis." It would also express "grave concern" at the spread of extremism and extremist groups