New York, NY, February 17, 2012 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed a United Nations General Assembly resolution that condemns the Syrian government's brutality against its citizens and demands for President Bashar al-Assad's rule to end, but was disappointed that the Security Council has not passed a similar resolution.

The General Assembly resolution, approved yesterday that endorsed a plan proposed by the Arab League, is non-binding and lacks the same authority as a Security Council resolution, which was vetoed last week.

Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director issued the following statement: 

While we welcome the U.N. General Assembly resolution condemning the Syrian government's brutality against its citizens, we remain disappointed that more meaningful action has not been taken by the Security Council that could save the lives of the Syrians who are being brutally murdered by the Assad regime. The Assad regime's actions are deplorable and must be stopped. 

We agree with Ambassador Susan Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the U.N., who said that this resolution sends a long-overdue, clear message to the Syrian people that the world stands with them. However, the continued inability of the Security Council to pass a tougher condemnation that could more effectively stop the violence in Syria is what the Syrian people need most.

It is imperative that the international community do more to stop the brutality in Syria. We urge the U.N. member states to act quickly to prevent the further killing of innocents. According to the U.N., over 5,000 citizens have been killed by Syrian military forces since the violence commenced over 11 months ago.