UN human rights chief wants stronger Syria observer mission, suggests referring Syria to ICC
Source: AP
By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, July 2, 3:03 PM
UNITED NATIONS The U.N. high commissioner for human rights called Monday on the Security Council to strengthen the suspended U.N. observer mission in Syria and asked that Syria be referred to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
The 300-member U.N. mission in Syria repeatedly came under fire before the U.N. suspended it last month, and its future is not clear. The council is awaiting a report from Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on options for the mission.
Navi Pillay said the missions presence in Syria remains vital. Ending the conflict is what we all seek, and any solution to the conflict must adequately address the root cause of the conflict, namely the human rights grievances, she said.
The conflict has killed more than 14,000 people since the revolt began in March 2011, according to opposition estimates. The fighting has grown increasingly militarized in recent months, with rebel forces launching attacks and ambushes on regime targets.
Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/un-human-rights-commissioner-calls-for-strengthening-un-syria-observer-mission/2012/07/02/gJQADU8dIW_story.html