The UN confirmed 111 civilian deaths in Syria amid mass killings tied to sectarian violence. UN officials reported summary executions and targeted attacks against families and hospitals. Calls for accountability and adherence to international human rights standards were made, highlighting the severity of the situation after the regime’s fall.
The UN Human Rights spokesperson concerning Syria has confirmed that 111 civilians were killed in recent mass killings, with the actual number likely much higher. Thameen Al Kheetan indicated that many documented deaths involved summary executions occurring in Tartus, Latakia, and Hama, allegedly executed by armed individuals connected to militia groups and the previous government.
Al Kheetan revealed that entire families, including women and children, were targeted, with reports stating that raiders questioned victims about their sect before committing acts of violence. The attacks have also extended to hospitals, inflicting casualties and damage to medical facilities.
Under the Geneva Conventions, violence against civilians is strictly prohibited. Attacks motivated by religious affiliations may constitute war crimes or genocide. Al Kheetan emphasized that the ongoing hate speech and misinformation could exacerbate the division in the country and ignite further conflict.
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024, targeted attacks seem to reflect retaliatory violence. The sectarian nature of these assaults suggests involvement from both pro and anti-Assad factions. Reports indicate that these escalated incidents began on March 6, attributed to coordinated attacks by sectarian groups aligned with the former government.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has asserted the necessity for accountability for those responsible for these civilian deaths. He urged caretaker authorities to comply with international human rights laws and to conduct unbiased investigations into these grave allegations.
The UN has confirmed the deaths of at least 111 civilians in Syria, likely with a higher unverified number, amid ongoing conflicts. The situation, characterized by sectarian violence and targeted attacks, calls for urgent international human rights compliance and accountability efforts. The involvement of diverse sectarian groups complicates the landscape, necessitating thorough investigations into the allegations of atrocities against civilians.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
