Originally published on the CGS blog on November 21, 2011.
The United Nations, after failing to approve a resolution condemning the violence in Syria last month, is expected to vote on another Syria resolution as early as Tuesday.
The anticipated resolution, which has been drafted by the United Kingdom, France and Germany but also reportedly has support from some Arab governments, would be voted on by the U.N. General Assembly’s human rights committee, rather than the U.N. Security Council. It would then be considered by the full General Assembly. Arab countries supporting the resolution include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan, and possibly Morocco and Kuwait. The Arab League recently voted to suspend Syria’s membership and possibly implement sanctions against the country.
The violence unleashed in Syria by the government of Bashar al-Assad has left more than 3500 people dead. However, the U.N. has so far been unable to adequately respond to the Syrian government’s attacks on its civilians. In October, the Security Council failed to approve a watered-down resolution on Syria after Russia and China both opposed it with a rare double veto. There are no vetoes permitted in the General Assembly’s human rights committee.
It’s good news that, hopefully, the United Nations is finally taking action on Syria. It is long past time for the U.N. to speak with one voice on the violence in Syria and move to protect civilians there. Click here to read CEO Don Kraus’ latest blog on the need for an international response in Syria.
