Israel’s military activities in southern Syria were discussed by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria during the 63rd regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The commission said the attacks violated Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that the activities were unacceptable and must end. The United Nations Human Rights Council session will continue until October 7.
Military activities in Quneitra and Daraa
The commission reported repeated Israeli military interventions in Syria’s southern governorates of Quneitra and Daraa. The reported activities included home raids, the establishment of checkpoints, detentions and artillery fire.
Israel has occupied most of Syria’s Golan Heights since 1967.
Syria’s transitional period
The commission said reconstruction efforts in Syria had accelerated and that progress had been made toward establishing accountability institutions.
It said accountability was one of the key elements needed for Syria’s transitional justice process to succeed. The commission also welcomed the renewal of its mandate and thanked the Syrian government for enabling it to continue its work.
The commission’s establishment and work
The United Nations Human Rights Council established the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria in August 2011. The commission investigates alleged violations of international human rights law committed in Syria since March that year and seeks to identify those responsible whenever possible.
During the years when it had no access to Syria, the commission conducted its investigations from outside the country. Its work drew on interviews with victims and witnesses, as well as documents, photographs, videos and satellite imagery.
