London-based rights group Amnesty International accused China and Russia of displaying “chilling disregard” for the countless victims in Syria.
“A crucial opportunity for justice has been squandered. Once again, Russia and China have abandoned the Syrian people for the sake of salvaging political alliances,” it said.
“Not only does this move risk emboldening those who are committing crimes with impunity but it is yet another sign of how the international community is failing Syrians.”