The UN Commission on Syria calls for renewed commitment to peace and human rights on the 14th anniversary of the conflict. The recent rise in violence has prompted serious concerns about accountability, particularly regarding civilian casualties. Establishing an independent inquiry and combating disinformation are necessary for future stability. The importance of international solidarity and support for rehabilitation efforts is emphasized as the situation evolves.
As Syria approaches the 14th anniversary of its ongoing conflict, the UN Syria Commission emphasizes the critical need for renewed commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of human rights. Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, the Chair of the Commission, highlighted the severity of recent violence, stressing that sustained efforts are essential to break the cycle of bloodshed and ensure accountability for human rights violations, regardless of the perpetrators involved.
The Commission expressed significant concern regarding the recent surge in violence in coastal regions, resulting in numerous civilian casualties, including many women and children. Witness accounts report extrajudicial killings during intense clashes between armed groups aligned with the former government and the caretaker authorities’ security forces, alongside allegations of summary executions of captured combatants.
In response to this violence, the Commission acknowledged the establishment of an independent inquiry by the caretaker authorities. This inquiry must operate without interference to maintain its integrity, presenting detailed findings to the Syrian public regarding the sequence of events and crimes committed by all parties.
Ongoing Commission investigations reveal attempts to verify digital information amid a backdrop of widespread online disinformation. Misinformation related to the recent violence poses a risk of escalating tensions and renewing fear among the population, as misleading videos and incendiary rhetoric circulate.
Commissioner Hanny Megally underscored that the recent violence should not deter Syria from pursuing a fragile path toward stability. The caretaker authorities have pledged to uphold human rights for all citizens. After years of suffering, recent agreements signifying efforts to end fighting and normalize relations within the country represent a glimmer of hope for Syrians.
The protracted conflict has decimated Syria’s economic and humanitarian landscape, prompting the Commission to advocate for the removal of sectoral sanctions that hinder recovery efforts. Despite the recent turmoil, many Syrians approached this anniversary with cautious optimism, wishing for an end to violence and increased freedom from oppression.
Accountability for past and ongoing crimes is of utmost importance to prevent victims from seeking personal retribution. Preserving evidence, including documentation from prisons and mass graves, is crucial for future truth and justice initiatives led by the new authorities with assistance from civil society.
As the anniversary is marked, commissioner Lynn Welchman insisted on the necessity for solidarity from the international community with Syria’s victims and survivors. The country’s residents deserve access to truth, justice, and reparations concerning the atrocities endured, including information about the disappeared and violations carried out by various actors.
In light of the December release of thousands of prisoners from previous detention facilities, ongoing support is required for their rehabilitation and the resolution of legal issues pertaining to the actions taken against them. The Commission is committed to aiding the caretaker authorities in resolving the fates of long-missing persons, enlisting support from civil society and other organizations, including the ICRC.
Overall, while Syria stands at a pivotal moment, the Commission’s findings call for a holistic approach to restoration, reaffirming the commitment to human rights and justice to envision a peaceful future.
In summary, as Syria commemorates 14 years of conflict, the UN Commission emphasizes the urgent need for accountability, peace, and the protection of human rights amidst ongoing violence. While the establishment of an independent inquiry presents a positive step, enduring challenges remain. Humanitarian support, the removal of sanctions, and commitment to justice are critical for Syria’s transition towards stability and the fulfillment of the victims’ rights.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
