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"These acts may amount to crimes against humanity and other international crimes and may be indicative of a pattern of widespread or systematic attacks against civilian populations that have been perpetrated with impunity.""I reiterate that those who order, assist or fail to stop attacks on civilians are individually criminally liable for their actions."
Ahead of the meeting, Washington, Turkey and Qatar submitted a joint draft resolution to the HRC. It condemned "the wanton killings of civilians by shooting at close range and by severe physical abuse by pro-regime elements and a series of government artillery and tank shellings of a residential neighborhood."
On June 1, the HRC blamed Assad for Houla killings. A final resolution was adopted. Forty-one voted yes. Russia, China and Cuba rejected one-way responsibility. Two nations abstained.
Responsible insurgents weren't mentioned. Assad was accused of failing "to protect and promote the rights of all Syrians, including through systematic and repeated violations of human rights."
It called for holding guilty parties accountable. It shamelessly blamed victims, not perpetrators. It ignored facts based on credible eyewitness testimonies.
Instead it published misinformation and bald-faced lies. Doing so makes nations blaming Assad and HRC officials complicit with insurgent crimes.
On June 28, HRC members will resume discussions on Syria. Dialogue on other matters will be held. Later in the day, closed door meetings will follow. It's unclear whether what's considered will be revealed.
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