As Syria approaches the 14th anniversary of its conflict, the UN Commission stresses the urgent need for renewed commitments to peace and human rights. Recent escalations of violence remind us of the ongoing challenges, with calls for accountability for violations and support for victims. There are encouraging developments, including an independent inquiry, but a concerted effort is necessary to ensure a path forward for stability and justice in Syria.
On the eve of the 14th anniversary of the Syrian conflict, the UN Syria Commission emphasizes the need for renewed commitments to peace and human rights. Chair Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro highlighted the recent violence as a crucial reminder of ongoing challenges facing Syria, urging accountability for all violations. The Commission expressed deep concern over civilian casualties from recent violence in coastal areas, where extrajudicial killings have reportedly occurred amid conflict between armed groups loyal to the former government and caretaker authorities.
The Commission noted positive developments, such as the establishment of an independent inquiry into the recent violence, which must operate free from interference to ensure transparency. This inquiry aims to document events and violations committed by all parties involved. However, the Commission’s investigations continue, highlighting the dangers of disinformation and incendiary narratives that may exacerbate tensions and fear within Syria.
Commissioner Hanny Megally warned that the new wave of violence should not derail Syria’s progress toward stability, asserting the caretaker authorities’ commitment to universal human rights. Since its mandate in 2011, the UN Commission has scrutinized extensive human rights violations spurred by state crackdowns, symbolizing a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Amidst a catastrophic humanitarian situation and dwindling funding, the Commission reiterated calls for lifting sanctions impeding recovery efforts. The recent escalation has forced many Syrians to reconsider their cautious hope for peace, previously building after decades of repression.
Efforts for accountability are paramount, aiming to prevent victims from resorting to vengeance. Preservation of evidence from conflicts is critical to enabling future truth and reconciliation processes led by new Syrian authorities, supported by civil society.
As the anniversary approaches, Commissioner Lynn Welchman called for solidarity in achieving justice for victims and survivors of the conflict. Released prisoners need significant support for rehabilitation and legal issues arising from arbitrary detentions. Moreover, finding tens of thousands of missing individuals is a daunting task requiring cooperation from various organizations, including the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The UN Commission calls for urgent commitment to peace, justice, and human rights in Syria as the country marks the 14th anniversary of its conflict. Recent violence, the need for accountability, and the challenges in addressing humanitarian crises underscore the complexity of Syria’s situation. Positive steps, including an independent inquiry into recent events, signal potential progress, but significant efforts are required to heal and restore stability.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
