The Syrian Coalition welcomes resolution A/HRC/25/L.7 adopted yesterday by the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), extending the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) in Syria. The HRC strongly condemned “the continued gross, systematic and widespread violations of human rights and all violations of international humanitarian law by the Syrian authorities and affiliated militias that may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.” The HRC resolution also condemned “the lack of cooperation” by the Assad regime with the COI, and “the use by the Syrian authorities of starvation of civilians as a method of combat.” The Syrian Coalition commends the work of the HRC and the COI which, in its last report, rightly distinguished between extremist groups and mainstream fighters struggling to build a free and democratic Syria. Furthermore, The Syrian Coalition condemns unequivocally any and all violations carried out by extremists, who seek to advance their own agenda by exploiting, in some areas, the chaos deliberately created by the Assad regime. We hold on to our unwavering commitment to international law and human rights laws. It is vital that words translate into action and that humanitarian aid reaches quickly those in need, especially in besieged areas. It is also crucial that those responsible for crimes against humanity and human rights abuses in Syria are held to account and that justice be served. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
