Geneva Institute for Human Rights

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called on the international community to protect Syrians, lamenting the “remorseless toll of human lives" and warning that government repression could imminently drive the country into civil war.

“The Government of Syria has manifestly failed to protect its population. Furthermore, it has ignored the international community’s calls to cooperate with international investigations,” said Pillay. "As more members of the military refuse to attack civilians and change sides, the crisis is already showing worrying signs of descending into an armed struggle.”

In August, Pillay recommended that the Security Council refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court after reviewing the results of an initial fact-finding mission. Instead, in a September vote, the Security Council failed to pass even a resolution condemning the violence. A second Syria investigation, or Commission of Inquiry, is currently underway.

Pillay also announced a new UN estimate of the number of people killed since the violence started in March, now exceeding 3,000, including at least 187 children. In addition, thousands have been arrested, detained, forcibly disappeared and tortured, she said.

The Syrian National Council, a recently convened opposition coalition based in Turkey, has thus far rejected calls for international military interference. However, the group has supported calls for non-military protective measures, such as civilian monitors in restive areas.

UN human rights office Country Page – Syrian Arab Republic http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/MENARegion/Pages...