Alkarama applauds the UN Human Rights Council for passing resolution S-16/1, at its special session on Syria on 29 April 2011, formally condemning the Syrian government for its use of force against peaceful pro-democracy protestors. An overwhelming majority of member states voted for the opening of an OHCHR-led investigation into the human rights abuses in the country, including the extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and arbitrary arrests of civilians by Syrian security forces.

Dorothy Parvaz, the Al Jazeera journalist arrested in Syria

Al Jazeera journalist, Dorothy Parvaz, who flew to Damascus from Doha on 29 April 2011, has been arrested at Damascus airport after trying to enter the country to report on the escalating events. She is currently being detained by the Syrian authorities and sources confirm that she is being "well-treated". Alkarama had sent an urgent appeal on 3 May 2011 to the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearance, in an effort to exert pressure on the Syrian government for her release, however sources later confirmed on 4 May 2011 that Dorothy Parvaz was in Syrian custody.

Nearly 7000 people on Facebook have joined the group Free Dorothy Parvaz - a campaign which will undoubtedly continue to grow as long as she remains in detention.

Alkarama has submitted to the UN Human Rights Special Procedures the names of 359 individuals arrested following their alleged participation in protests in Syria.