On 22 March the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted Resolution 40/17 on the situation in Syria. The HRC condemned the indiscriminate or deliberate targeting of civilians in violation of international humanitarian law and expressed deep concern at the situation of women, children and persons with disabilities, especially those who are internally displaced, who remain among the most vulnerable to violence and abuse. The resolution renewed the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria for one year, demanding that “the Syrian authorities meet their responsibility to protect the Syrian population.” The resolution was adopted by a vote of 28 in favor, 5 against and 14 abstentions.