Human rights organizations demand an independent international investigation into ongoing violence and ethnic cleansing in Syria, following clashes between the new government and former Assad supporters. They urge accountability for war crimes. Violence has led to over 1,300 deaths, and the interim president announced a fact-finding committee to address the situation, albeit with uncertainties about assigning blame.
Human rights organizations, including the Kurdish Human Rights Network in Syria, have condemned the ongoing violence in the country’s coastal region. They are urging an immediate cessation of ethnic cleansing and sectarian violence following the recent conflict between the new government and former supporters of the Assad regime. These entities are advocating for urgent international intervention and accountability for those responsible for war crimes such as ethnic cleansing.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, the groups demanded the establishment of an independent international investigation committee under United Nations oversight. They emphasize that ethnic cleansing represents individual accountability for crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, particularly in regard to the Alawite minority that historically dominated under Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
Violence has surged in recent days, with clashes reported between the new government, led by President al-Sahra, and loyalists of the former dictator, Bashar al-Assad. The New York Times reported an ambush of government security forces by Assad loyalists in the Latakia province, followed by a brutal governmental retaliation involving tanks and drones, resulting in over 1,300 deaths within a week, predominantly among civilians.
Interim President al-Shara addressed the situation on Monday, claiming the end of military operations while promoting Syrian unity. He mentioned the formation of a fact-finding committee to deliver justice to the victims, although his comments left it unclear if he attributed the violence solely to former government forces. Meanwhile, the UN human rights chief has raised concerns about the escalation of violence and the necessity for a transparent investigation into the situation.
The situation in Syria remains dire as violence continues to escalate, notably with the recent clashes between government forces and former Assad supporters. Human rights groups are calling for immediate international oversight and accountability for war crimes, indicating the ongoing risk of ethnic cleansing against the Alawite community. While the interim government initiates steps toward investigation, clarity on responsibility for the violence remains essential for building a path toward peace and unity in Syria.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
