(CNN) -- The top U.N. human rights official deplored the "devastatingly remorseless toll of human lives" in Syria and exhorted the world community on Friday "to take immediate measures" to protect citizens.





"The onus is on all members of the international community to take protective action in a collective and decisive manner, before the continual ruthless repression and killings drive the country into a full-blown civil war," said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, in a written statement describing a dire human rights situation in Syria.





Her remarks came as protesters took to the streets Friday in various Syrian cities, a nationwide outpouring supporting the "free army," a reference to personnel who have defected from President Bashar al-Assad's military and to the recently formed Syrian Free Army. At least 12 people were reported dead in the latest protests, according to Syrian Observatory, an activist group.





Pillay said the government has "manifestly failed to protect its population" and has "ignored the international community's calls to cooperate with international investigations," she said.





"At stake are the universal rights to life, liberty and security of person which must never be brushed aside in the interests of realpolitik. The international community must speak with one voice and act to protect the Syrian people."





Protests erupted in Syria seven months ago, with demonstrators demanding changes to regime policies and/or an end to the regime. Opposition activists have accused officials of killing protesters, but the government has said it is going after armed groups.





The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights, a London-based activist group with a network of informants across Syria, estimates that more than 3,100 people have died since the uprising began in mid-March. Most of them are civilians but some are military personnel as well.





Pillay also said the death toll has exceeded 3,000 people and at least 187 of them were children. She said more than 100 people have been reported killed in the past 10 days.





The government "has consistently used excessive force to crush peaceful protests," she said.





"Sniping from rooftops, and indiscriminate use of force against peaceful protesters -- including the use of live ammunition and the shelling of residential neighborhoods -- have become routine occurrences in many Syrian cities," she said.





"In addition, thousands have been arrested, detained, forcibly disappeared and tortured. Family members inside and outside the country have been targeted for harassment, intimidation, threats and beatings. As more members of the military refuse to attack civilians and change sides, the crisis is already showing worrying signs of descending into an armed struggle."





Two months ago, she said there had been "credible allegations of crimes against humanity in Syria" and urged the U.N. Security Council to refer the matter to the International Criminal Court.





Countries across the globe have expressed outrage over the instability in Syria. The European Union and the United States have imposed sanctions against the regime.





The Gulf Cooperation Council, six Gulf Arab states, urged an immediate meeting of Arab League states to discuss the country's violence. The meeting should be at the foreign ministers level, the council said in a statement Thursday without providing details. Syria is a member of the Arab League.





Two Obama administration officials provided testimony about U.S. efforts to deal with Syria for a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Friday.





Wendy Sherman, undersecretary of state for political affairs, cited "targeted financial measures to increase pressure on the Syrian regime and its enablers." She added the administration "remains committed to pursuing multilateral sanctions at the Security Council."





She said the United States is working to "ensure expeditious, unfettered and sustained access for international human rights monitors and journalists," Also, she said it is working with "international partners" to keep Syria from circumventing American and European sanctions."





Noting that Iran has "long used Syria as a strategic and logistical connection" to terror groups, she said the United States is working to break those ties with the sanctions.





David Cohen, the Treasury Department's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said, "
How many children does the death total in Syria include? How many children are included in the death total? How many did the activist group say were dead? Did Obama administration testify? Where did Obama administration officials testify? How many died on Friday? How many people died Friday?
187 at least 187 At least 12 people officials provided testimony House Foreign Affairs Committee 12 12
question: How many children does the death total in Syria include?, answer: 187 | question: How many children are included in the death total?, answer: at least 187 | question: How many did the activist group say were dead?, answer: At least 12 people | question: Did Obama administration testify?, answer: officials provided testimony | question: Where did Obama administration officials testify?, answer: House Foreign Affairs Committee | question: How many died on Friday?, answer: 12 | question: How many people died Friday?, answer: 12