syria-un-20120816 24

A/HRC/21/50 24 148. The commission identified violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed by members of anti-Government groups. Those who either ordered or planned the acts, or in the case of those in effective command and control, failed to prevent or punish perpetrators, bear responsibility. 149. The increased militarization of the conflict is disastrous for the Syrian people and could provoke tragic consequences for the entire region. A sustained cessation of hostilities by all parties remains of paramount importance to end the violence and gross human rights violations and abuses. 150. The commission reiterates that the best solution continues to be a negotiated settlement involving an inclusive and meaningful dialogue among all parties, leading to a political transition that reflects the legitimate aspirations of all segments of Syrian society, including ethnic and religious minorities. 151. Considering the catastrophic threats to the Syrian polity and people, as well as to the stability of the region, the commission renews the recommendations made in its previous reports, and emphasizes those that follow. 152. With regard to the international community: (a) Countries with influence over the parties to the Syrian conflict, in particular the permanent members of the Security Council, should work in concert to put pressure on the parties to end the violence and to initiate all-inclusive negotiations for a sustainable political transition process in the country; (b) The continued presence of the United Nations in the country is essential for the effective implementation of the ceasefire and to support the Syrian people in initiating broad, inclusive and credible consultations to achieve reconciliation, accountability and reparation within the framework of international law. 153. The commission recommends that the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic: (a) Investigate all violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law as set out in the present report to ensure that those responsible are held to account, in accordance with due process, and that victims are afforded access to justice and reparation; (b) Release immediately all persons arbitrarily detained, publish a list of all detention facilities and ensure that conditions of detention comply with applicable law; (c) Abide by the rules of armed conflict and distribute the rules of engagement guiding army and security forces operations; (d) Grant the international community immediate access to the affected areas to provide humanitarian assistance to all those in need. 154. The commission recommends that anti-Government armed groups: (a) Adopt, publicly announce and abide by rules of conduct that are in line with international human rights law and international humanitarian law standards, and hold perpetrators of abuses to account; (b) Provide relevant humanitarian and human rights institutions with information on the fate of persons captured, and to give access to detainees. 155. The commission recommends that the Office of the High Commissioner consolidate a presence in the region to strengthen efforts to promote and protect human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic