The U.N. reports that entire families, including women and children, have been killed in Syria amid sectarian violence linked to the government’s crackdown. The human rights office documented at least 111 civilian deaths, classifying many as summary executions. Calls for investigations into these killings have intensified, with U.N. officials urging thorough oversight.
The United Nations human rights office reported alarming killings in Syria’s coastal region, where entire families, including women and children, were victimized amid sectarian violence linked to the Assad regime. This revelation prompted an outcry for investigations into the deaths of civilians in predominantly Alawite communities, according to statements made on Tuesday.
Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesman for the U.N. human rights office, highlighted disturbing instances of violence, noting that 111 civilian deaths have been documented and acknowledging that the actual number may be much higher. Among these victims, 90 were men, 18 were women, and three were children.
Al-Kheetan emphasized the nature of these deaths, labeling many as summary executions conducted on a sectarian basis. Testimonies indicate that men were executed in front of their families, showcasing the brutality of the situation. In response, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk expressed his approval of the Syrian government’s commitment to establish an accountability committee, urging that investigations be executed promptly and impartially.
In conclusion, the ongoing military crackdown in Syria has resulted in the tragic deaths of entire families, predominantly affecting the Alawite community. The U.N. has documented significant civilian casualties, with calls for a thorough investigation into these sectarian killings. The establishment of an accountability committee by the Syrian government provides a glimmer of hope for justice, yet immediate action and impartiality are paramount.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
