The U.N. human rights office reported that entire families, including women and children, have been killed in Syria amid sectarian violence instigated by the military against Assad loyalists. Allegations of summary executions highlight the complexity of the situation. The U.N. is advocating for prompt and impartial investigations into these activities.
Geneva has recently reported alarming findings from the U.N. human rights office regarding military actions in Syria. The report highlights that entire families, including women and children, have been killed in the coastal region as part of the military’s crackdown on insurgencies led by loyalists of President Bashar al-Assad. Pressure is mounting on Syria’s government to investigate these grave allegations, particularly following claims of hundreds of civilian deaths in predominantly Alawite inhabited villages.
The spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, Thameen Al-Kheetan, elaborated on the situation, noting that shocking evidence shows targeted killings occurred against entire families, especially in Alawite communities. Furthermore, the body has confirmed the deaths of 111 civilians, although the actual numbers are expected to be much higher. This figure includes 90 men, 18 women, and three children, according to Al-Kheetan’s statements during a press briefing in Geneva.
Al-Kheetan indicated that many of the incidents documented resemble summary executions and often appear to take place on a sectarian basis. Several testimonies from survivors recount horrifying instances where men were killed before their families. In light of these findings, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk has expressed support for the establishment of an accountability committee by the Syrian government, urging that any investigations be prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial.
The U.N. human rights office’s findings reflect a tragic escalation in violence against civilians in Syria, with entire families targeted in sectarian killings. The documented casualties raise significant concerns about human rights violations and emphasize the need for accountability. The recent calls for an impartial investigation signal a crucial step towards addressing these heinous acts.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
