U.N. human rights body passes resolution condemning Syria crackdown on protests

[azurnoir]

Source: Haaretz

U.N. human rights body passes resolution condemning Syria crackdown on protests

The top United Nations human rights body condemned Syria on Friday for using deadly force against peaceful protesters and launched an investigation into killings and other alleged crimes.

The 47-member forum, which held an emergency session at U.S. request, endorsed a U.S.-sponsored resolution by 26 votes to 9 with 7 abstentions.

"Member states came together to condemn the brutal tactics used by the Assad regime to silence peaceful dissent," U.S. human rights ambassador Eileen Donahoe said in a statement.

The urgency of holding the special session was "underlined by the disturbing reports today that the regime has continued its violent crackdown in towns across Syria," she added.



Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/news/international/u-n-human-rights-body-passes-resolution-condemning-syria-crackdown-on-protests-1.358908

[Turborama]

1. U.N. condemns Syria in protester deaths

Source: UPI

Published: April 30, 2011 at 11:39 AM

The U.N. Human Rights Council narrowly approved a statement sponsored by the United States criticizing Syria's attacks on protesters.

The Christian Science Monitor reported Saturday the statement's narrow support indicates many member nations want to avoid another Libya.

Military-on-civilian violence has killed as many as 500 people in Syria in the past few days. The statement also calls on the top U.N. human-rights official to launch an investigation into the violence for potential violations of international law.

Among the nine countries voting against the statement were China and Russia. The statement passed with 26 yes votes in the 47-member body.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/04/30/UN-condemns-Syria-in-protester-deaths/UPI-38871304177961/

[Turborama]

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