Kurdish Human Rights Network demands an investigation into violence in Syria’s coastal region amid ethnic cleansing and sectarian atrocities. Calls for accountability for war crimes and the establishment of an independent UN oversight committee are highlighted. The death toll has risen sharply amid clashes between the new government and Assad loyalists, prompting concerns over ongoing human rights violations.
The Kurdish Human Rights Network, along with various Kurdish organizations in Syria, condemned the escalating violence in Syria’s coastal region. They urged an immediate cessation of ethnic cleansing and sectarian violence, as the country experiences conflict between the new government and loyalists of the former Assad regime after his ousting.
In their joint statement, the groups demanded international intervention and accountability for all parties implicated in war crimes, including ethnic cleansing. They called for an independent international investigation committee under the UN’s oversight to address these atrocities.
Ethnic cleansing can incur individual liability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide, as defined under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Historically, the Alawite minority dominated the ruling elite in Syria under Bashar al-Assad.
Recent violence escalated between the new government, led by President al-Sahra, and supporters of the former regime, culminating in an ambush on government security forces in Latakia province. Based on reports from The New York Times, armed men loyal to Assad initiated the ambush, followed by a violent retaliation from government forces utilizing tanks, drones, and artillery. This violence has resulted in over 1,300 fatalities, including at least 973 civilians, marking a considerable increase in unrest since Assad’s removal.
Interim President al-Shara recently concluded the military operation in an online address, emphasizing Syrian unity. He announced a newly formed fact-finding committee to investigate the violence and deliver justice, but failed to clarify if he attributed the outbreak solely to former government fighters.
The UN human rights chief echoed the need for a clear investigation into the rising violence, highlighting concerns over human rights violations.
The Kurdish Human Rights Network and allied groups are calling for an investigation into the violent clashes in Syria, demanding accountability for war crimes. As fighting intensifies between the new government and former regime supporters, the need for international intervention is pressing. The establishment of an independent committee under UN oversight is critical to address the ethnic cleansing and sectarian violence that have claimed numerous lives. Transparency in the investigation is essential for rebuilding trust and seeking justice for victims.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
