The findings of the report illustrate patterns of systematic human rights abuses, establishing clear lines of responsibility as these violations are committed "with the apparent knowledge and consent of the highest levels of the State". While concluding that the atrocities committed by the Syrian government forces amount to crimes against humanity, the Commission calls on all sides to initiate an urgent and inclusive political dialogue in view of negotiating an immediate end to the violence and to address the need for reforms of the country's political, judicial and security system. Further noting that the prospect of effective internal investigations and prosecution of the perpetrators remains uncertain, it recommends that international justice mechanisms be considered in order to facilitate a process of reconciliation and accountability.

During the interactive dialogue following the chairperson's presentation, the work of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria was welcomed by most member States of the Human Rights Council, recommending the Commission's mandate be extended. Besides the indiscriminate attacks on densely populated areas by the Syrian armed forces and other atrocities committed against the civilian population, a major point raised during the discussion on 12 and 13 March 2012 was the denial of access for humanitarian relief organisations to parts of the Syrian population. A large number of member States pointed out the possible referral of the situation to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and expressed support for the mission of the joint League of Arab States and UN envoy, Kofi Annan. Many States insisted on the necessity of a negotiated solution to the current crisis, some asking the current President of the Syrian Arab Republic to step aside. The Syrian delegation and some further State representatives underlined the occurrence of human rights violations by armed groups other than the State forces, considering the Commission's report to be biased.

Alkarama contributed to the work of the Commission of Inquiry and the preceding OHCHR Fact-Finding Mission, was present at the presentation of the Commission's report and followed the interactive dialogue with interest. Our assessment of the situation largely coincides with the Commission's findings as we consider that the human rights violations perpetrated in Syria are of such nature that they amount to crimes against humanity and may fall under the competence of the International Criminal Court. Alkarama calls for an immediate and unconditional halt to the rampant use of violence and for the full respect of human rights in order to end the current suffering of the Syrian population.