Updated

U.N. investigators say they are considering publishing their secret list of alleged perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria to press for justice for the thousands of victims.

The independent commission charged with investigating alleged human rights violations since the Syrian conflict began in March 2011 said in a report circulated Friday that there has been an "exponential rise in the perpetration of war crimes, crimes against humanity and human rights violations" in Syria. It said civilians continue to suffer while the perpetrators are shielded from accountability.

Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, who heads the four-member commission, told reporters that he expects a decision on publishing the names of the alleged perpetrators to be made at the next session of the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council on March 17.