GENEVA, Switzerland, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- An international commission on the Syrian conflict said Wednesday that while rebels were suspected of abuses, they paled in comparison to pro-government forces.
The U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry published a 102-page report Wednesday highlighting the human rights situation in Syria.
The report said that government forces and the Shabbiha militia committed crimes against humanity during the crisis in Syria. The commission added that anti-government groups were likely responsible for war crimes as well.
"However these violations and abuses were not of the same gravity, frequency and scale as those committed by government forces and the Shabbiha," the report read.
The report indicated that the lack of access to the country impaired its reporting ability.
Human Rights Watch called on the U.N. Security Council to extend the U.N. Supervision Mission in Syria beyond Sunday's expiration date. Monitors left the country in June, citing security concerns.
Philippe Bolopian, U.N. director for Human Rights Watch, said international human rights monitors are needed in Syria now that conflict has spread to Damascus and Aleppo.
"Rigorous, impartial public reporting of the conduct of both the government of Syria and the armed opposition will help it to reclaim a role in protecting human rights in Syria," he said in a statement.
