Militarization of Syrian conflict must be stopped, says UN human rights chief Navi Pillay

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay calls for accountability of human rights violations in Syria, noting that both government forces and armed opponents are involved in harming civilians.

The UN human rights chief speaking at the UN Security Council reiterated her call that the situation in the country should be referred to the International Criminal court, citing that evidence points to the commission of crimes against humanity. Pillay also called to an end to "further militarization" of the conflict.

"There is a risk of escalation; the provision of arms to the Syrian government and to its opponents is fuelling the violence. Any further militarization of the conflict must be avoided at all costs," Pillay said after her address to the UN Security Council on the crisis in Syria.

3 July 2012