An independent United Nations investigation has faulted pro-government forces in Syria for perpetrating mass casualties, malnutrition and starvation in Syria.
About chemical weapons attacks, it concluded that sarin gas was used on multiple occasions but could not determine the perpetrators with enough certainty to meet its standards of proof.
“Widespread attacks and sieges on civilian areas in Syria by pro-Government forces are leading to mass casualties, malnutrition and starvation,” the independent international Commission of Inquiry said today. Its report will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council on March 18.
For the first time, the Commission named specific non-government fighters for committing crimes against humanity by practicing torture.
It accused both pro-government and anti-government militants of committing massacres, insisting that all sides should cease hostilities to allow delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Hospitals, medical and humanitarian personnel and cultural property are being deliberately targeted in flagrant disregard of their specially protected status under international law, it said.
The report’s investigations, conducted from July 15, 2013 to 20 January 20, 2014, included 563 interviews and other evidence.
“The absolute impunity that pervades the conflict, now entering its fourth year, is utterly unacceptable. The leadership of each party must be held responsible for the violations of its members, and must take action to curb these violations,” said Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, the Commission’s chairperson. To ensure accountability when possible, the Commission is updating its confidential list of suspected perpetrators.
It blamed the UN Security Council for failing to act to end impunity. “Such inaction has provided the space for the proliferation of actors in Syria, each pursuing its own agenda and contributing to the radicalization and escalation of violence.”
Somewhat plaintively, it also called on governments with influence within Syria to ensure that the warring parties stop violating international humanitarian law. Those governments are generally understood to be Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.