R2P Monitor:
Provides background on populations at risk of mass atrocity crimes, with particular emphasis on key events and actors and their connection to the threat, or commission, of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.
Offers analysis of the country’s past history in relation to mass atrocity crimes; the factors that have enabled their possible commission, or that prevent their resolution; and the receptivity of the situation to positive influences that would assist in preventing further crimes.
Tracks the international response to the situation with a particular emphasis upon the actions of the United Nations (UN), key regional actors and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Suggests necessary action to prevent or halt the commission of mass atrocity crimes.
SYRIA
Populations in Syria continue to face mass atrocity crimes committed by state security forces and affiliated militias. The increasingly sectarian nature of the civil war puts civilians at even greater risk.
BACKGROUND
After twenty-two months of internal conflict in Syria, civilians remain the primary victims of the violence as government forces continue to fight an armed opposition that is gaining in strength and territory. The UN Human Rights Council (HRC)-mandated Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reported on 20 December that “civilians have borne the brunt of escalating armed confrontations as the front lines between Government forces and the armed opposition have moved deeper into urban areas.
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