UN chief demands justice for Syria 'war crimes'

GENEVA (AFP) - UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon called on Monday for all war criminals in Syria to be brought to justice, as his human rights chief urged a probe into the slaughter of hundreds in the town of Daraya.

"We must ensure that anyone, on any side, who commits war crimes, crimes against humanity or other violations of international human rights or humanitarian law is brought to justice," Mr Ban said in Geneva, where he opened the 21st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

"I am deeply troubled by the aerial bombardments of civilians by government forces, by the increasing sectarian tensions, by the deteriorating humanitarian situation and by the apparent choice of both sides to pursue a solution through force rather than dialogue," he said.

Mr Ban called on the rights council "to maintain its vigilance on Syria, including on the question of accountability".