Draft of the Security Council Resolution on Syria

The Security Council,

Expressing grave concern at the situation in Syria and condemning the violence and use of force against its people,

Welcoming the Secretary-General’s statements articulating continued concerns about the on-going violence and humanitarian needs, and calling for an independent investigation of all killings during recent demonstrations,

Welcoming also Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/RES/S-16/1 of 29 April 2011, including the decision to request the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to dispatch a mission to Syria to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law and to establish the facts and circumstances of such violations and of the crimes perpetrated, with a view to avoiding impunity and ensuring full accountability,

Welcoming further the statement of 22 May 2011 of the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, which expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Syria and called upon the Syrian security forces to show restraint and refrain from targeting innocent civilians,

Considering that the widespread and systematic attacks currently taking place in Syria by the authorities against its people may amount to crimes against humanity,

Expressing concern at the reports of shortages of medical supplies to treat the wounded, caused partly by deliberate prevention of such supplies by the Government of Syria, and at the reports of numerous civilians trying to flee the violence,

Expressing concern also at reports of the discovery of a mass grave in Deraa,

Echoing the Secretary-General’s concern at the humanitarian impact of the violence on a number of Syrian towns, and fully supporting the UN’s humanitarian assessment mission to Syria,

Recalling the Syrian authorities’ responsibility to protect its population, and to allow unhindered and sustained access for humanitarian aid and humanitarian organisations,

Underlining the need to respect the freedoms of peaceful assembly and of expression, including freedom of the media and access for international media,

Noting the stated intention of the Government of Syria to take steps for reform, but regretting that the Syrian Government has not responded to the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people,

Stressing the need to hold to account those responsible for attacks, including by forces under the control of the Government of Syria, on peaceful protesters and other innocent individuals,

Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria,

Concerned by the risks to regional peace and stability posed by the situation in Syria, mindful of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security under the Charter of the United Nations, and determined to prevent an aggravation of the situation,

1. Condemns the systematic violation of human rights, including the killings, arbitrary detentions, disappearances, and torture of peaceful demonstrators, human rights defenders and journalists by the Syrian authorities, and expresses deep regret at the deaths of hundreds of civilians,

2. Demands an immediate end to the violence and for steps to address the legitimate aspirations of the population;


3. Calls upon the Syrian authorities to:

(a) act with the utmost restraint, respect human rights and international humanitarian law, refrain from any reprisals against those that have taken part in peaceful demonstrations, and allow immediate, unhindered and sustained access for international human rights monitors and humanitarian agencies and workers;

(b) take concrete measures to meet legitimate popular demands, including by adopting comprehensive reforms aimed at allowing genuine political participation, inclusive dialogue and effective exercise of fundamental freedoms, and by promptly implementing the abolition of the High Security Court and the lifting of measures restricting the exercise of fundamental freedoms;


(c) immediately release all prisoners of conscience and arbitrarily detained persons, and cease any intimidation, persecution, torture and arbitrary arrests of individuals, including lawyers, human rights defenders and journalists;


(d) immediately lift the siege of Deraa and other affected towns, restore medical, fuel and electricity supplies and communications, and allow immediate and unfettered access by the UN’s humanitarian assessment mission and human rights monitors;


(e) immediately lift restrictions on all forms of media, allow access to international media, and allow access to the Internet and telecommunications networks;

(f) launch a credible and impartial investigation in accordance with its international obligations and hold to account those responsible for attacks against peaceful demonstrators, including by forces under the control of the Syrian Government; and


(g) co-operate fully with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights mission as set forth in Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/RES/S-16/1 of 29 April 2011;


4. Calls upon all States to exercise vigilance and prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to the Syrian authorities of arms and related materiel of all types;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to report on implementation of this resolution within 14 days of its adoption;

6. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.