UN Reports Sectarian Killings in Syria, Urges Accountability Measures

The UN reports that entire families, including women and children, were killed in Syria’s coastal region during a military crackdown against insurgents loyal to Bashar al-Assad. As investigations are urged, 111 civilian deaths have been documented, with expectations of higher actual figures. The UN calls for thorough accountability measures from the Syrian government.

The United Nations has reported tragic incidents in Syria’s coastal region, where entire families, including women and children, have been killed amid ongoing sectarian violence enforced by the Syrian army against insurgents loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. The UN human rights office emphasized the urgency for accountability, following disturbing reports of hundreds of civilian deaths in predominantly Alawite villages.

Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN human rights office, detailed that these sectarian killings primarily targeted Alawite communities. He revealed that so far, 111 civilians have been documented killed, but the actual number is believed to be much higher. Among the deceased, 90 were men, 18 were women, and three were children, raising significant concerns about potential war crimes.

The reports highlighted instances of summary executions, often occurring on a sectarian basis, with men being shot in front of their families, based on survivor testimonies. In light of these revelations, UN human rights chief Volker Turk expressed his support for the Syrian government’s announcement to establish an accountability committee, urging that investigations should be prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial.

The recent reports by the UN human rights office reveal dire circumstances in Syria, where sectarian violence has led to the brutal killing of entire families. The documented cases of civilian deaths emphasize the need for effective accountability measures. The call for prompt investigations presents an opportunity for justice in the face of these heinous acts.

Original Source: www.usnews.com