U.N. calls for compassion in Syria There should be "no unlawful reprisals, no summary executions, no torture (and) no arbitrary detention" in Syria, the United Nations said. A handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syrian president Bashar al-Assad (R) shaking hands with his supporters upon his arrival to vote for the referendum on a new constitution, at a polling station, in Damascus, Syria, February, 26 2012. Syrians began voting February 26 on a new constitution that the government says will introduce political pluralism. More than 14,000 polling stations opened nationwide for about 15 million eligible voters. The opposition announced a boycott of the referendum. GENEVA, Switzerland, March 2 (UPI) -- There should be "no unlawful reprisals, no summary executions, no torture (and) no arbitrary detention" in Syria, the United Nations said. The International Committee of the Red Cross and Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society expressed regret Friday that they weren't allowed into the restive Baba Amr neighborhood of Homs despite assurances from Damascus. "We reiterate the appeal we made several days ago, for a daily 2-hour halt in the fighting to allow humanitarian assistance," ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger said in a statement. The humanitarian situation was very serious then and it is worse now. Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said he was alarmed by reports from the neighborhood Friday despite being unable to confirm the reports of bloodshed. "It is essential that there are no unlawful reprisals, no summary executions, no torture, no arbitrary detention," he said in a statement. Syrian rebel forces in Homs said they pulled back from the neighborhood after military forces descended on the area. Colville said enough crimes have already been committed in Syria since an uprising against the government began one year ago. "We urge the authorities to take immediate steps to ensure no more are committed now that they have taken control of Baba Amr," he said. The United Nations estimates at least 7,500 people have died as a result of the conflict. U.N. officials had recommended referring Damascus to the International Criminal Court. The Syrian government maintains it is dealing with domestic terrorists.