Another Reason Why the United Nations is Needed

Analysis

Imogen Foulkes, BBC News, Geneva

The fact that serious violations have been committed in Syria is not in doubt - UN investigators have evidence of torture, mass killing, and rape. The investigators have always said the Syrian regime appears to be responsible for the majority of abuses.

But they have never publicly singled out specific figures; there is a list of names, but it is confidential pending a possible prosecution for war crimes. Today, Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, openly suggested President Bashar al-Assad may be directly responsible for violations. She took care to say she had not seen that confidential list, but she has been briefed by the UN investigators.
Based on those briefings, she has repeatedly called on the UN Security Council to refer Syria to the International Criminal Court, something it has not so far done. Her surprising candour today may be a sign of her impatience. 

• Timeline: Syria's bloodiest days

The UN's commission of inquiry into Syria has produced "massive evidence... [of] very serious crimes, war crimes, crimes against humanity," Ms. Pillay said.
"The scale of viciousness of the abuses being perpetrated by elements on both sides almost defies belief," she said. The evidence indicated responsibility "at the highest level of government, including the head of state", she added.