Originally published on the CGS blog on November 22, 2011.
The United Nations General Assembly’s committee on human rights today overwhelmingly approved a resolution condemning the violence in Syria and attacks on civilians by the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
The vote tally was 122 votes in favor, 13 against and 41 abstentions. It passed with strong support from Arab countries, including cosponsors Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Morocco, and Kuwait.
The resolution strongly condemned the “continued grave and systematic human rights violations by the Syrian authorities.” Specific human rights abuses mentioned included arbitrary executions, excessive use of force and the persecution and killing of protesters and human rights defenders, torture, and ill treatment of detainees. The resolution also calls on Assad to immediately implement the Arab League’s peace plan.
The resolution will now move to the full General Assembly, where a vote is expected in mid-December.
Today’s vote came after both Russia and China, who hold veto power as permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, blocked Security Council action on a watered-down Syria resolution last month. Both countries also voted against today’s resolution; however, there are no vetos in the General Assembly.
It’s great to see the U.N., at long last, taking action to condemn the attacks on civilians in Syria. I hope that the full General Assembly will follow suit next month. Click here to read CEO Don Kraus’ latest blog on the need for an international response in Syria.
