The U.N. reports that Syria’s military crackdown has led to the killing of entire families, particularly targeting Alawite communities. With documented cases of summary executions and pressure for investigation, international focus is on accountability for these sectarian acts. U.N. officials call for prompt and thorough inquiries into these human rights abuses.
The U.N. human rights office reported on Tuesday that a military crackdown in Syria’s coastal region has resulted in the deaths of entire families, including women and children, amidst sectarian violence against insurgents of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Increased pressure on the Syrian government follows reports of hundreds of civilian deaths in predominantly Alawite villages.
Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, highlighted the targeting of Alawite communities, stating that incidents of family massacres are both alarming and systematically sectarian. The office has confirmed 111 documented killings, with an expectation that actual numbers may be higher. The fatalities included 90 men, 18 women, and three children.
Many incidents were characterized as summary executions, reflecting a pattern of sectarian targeting. Al-Kheetan noted that some men were executed in front of their families based on testimonies from survivors. Furthermore, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk has called for comprehensive investigations following the Syrian government’s initiative to form an accountability committee.
Turk insists that the investigations must be prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial to ensure accountability for the killings.
The U.N. has documented severe human rights violations in Syria, particularly targeting families in Alawite communities amidst continuing tensions. With confirmed civilian casualties and reports of summary executions, international observers demand thorough investigations and accountability from Syria’s government to address sectarian violence. Immediate action is critical to prevent further atrocities and promote justice for victims.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
