Human rights groups in Syria have called for investigations into recent mass killings and ethnic cleansing in the coastal region, demanding accountability for all parties involved in the violence. Following violent clashes between government forces and supporters of former leader Assad, more than 1,300 individuals have died. The interim President announced steps towards investigation and justice, yet ambiguity remains in attributing responsibility for the unrest.
Human rights organizations, led by the Kurdish Human Rights Network and several Kurdish groups, have condemned the escalating violence in Syria’s coastal region. They are urging an immediate cessation of ethnic cleansing and sectarian violence amid a power struggle between the new government and supporters of the deposed Bashar al-Assad regime.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the human rights groups called for international intervention and accountability for all parties implicated in war crimes, particularly in relation to ethnic cleansing. They emphasized the need for the establishment of an independent international investigation committee under the auspices of the United Nations.
The act of ethnic cleansing invokes individual accountability for war crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The Alawite community, which historically held power under Assad, is particularly targeted amid this unrest.
Recent violence erupted between factions aligned with President al-Sahra’s government and loyalists to the former regime. Reports indicate that an ambush on government security forces by Assad loyalists led to a heavy government response involving tanks, drones, and artillery. Over the past few days, more than 1,300 individuals, including at least 973 civilians, have died in what is described as the worst unrest since Assad’s removal.
Interim President al-Shara, in an online address, announced the conclusion of military operations and called for national unity. He mentioned the formation of a fact-finding committee to achieve justice for victims, although it remains ambiguous whether he attributed sole responsibility for the violence to the former regime’s supporters.
The UN human rights chief has echoed concerns regarding the rising violence, advocating for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the ongoing events.
In conclusion, the call for an independent investigation into mass killings in Syria highlights the urgent need for accountability and cessation of violence amidst ongoing ethnic and sectarian strife. The alarming rise in casualties underscores the gravity of the situation, prompting both regional and international entities to acknowledge the necessity for effective intervention and an impartial inquiry into alleged war crimes. Addressing these concerns is imperative for restoring stability and protecting human rights in Syria.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
