UN rights body sets up special inquiry on Aleppo crimes

The UN Human Rights Council today agreed to launch an “independent special inquiry” into events in the Syrian city of Aleppo, where the top UN rights official said airstrikes constituted war crimes.

The 47-member state Geneva forum adopted a resolution, submitted by Britain along with Western and Arab allies, by a vote of 24 states in favour, seven against with 16 abstentions. Russia and China were among those voting against the resolution.

The Council asked the existing UN commission of inquiry to “conduct a comprehensive independent special inquiry into the events in Aleppo” to identify those responsible for alleged violations and to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

Aleppo has been besieged by Syrian regime forces who are battle opposition groups for control of the eastern parts of the city. The regime, which is backed by Russia, has declared a ceasefire which will end on 24 October.