The UN reports violence in Syria’s Alawite communities, with a potential death toll nearing 1,000. Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested under an ICC warrant for drug policy abuses. In Sudan, dire healthcare conditions persist amid ongoing conflict, compounding the humanitarian crisis.
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has reported a surge in violence against primarily Alawite communities in Syria, confirming the deaths of 111 individuals, with estimates suggesting the actual toll could near 1,000. These targeted attacks have been attributed to security forces allied to the Caretaker Authorities, particularly in coastal areas that once supported ousted President Bashar Al-Assad. Spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan stated, “Many of the cases documented were of summary executions,” occurring in regions such as Tartus, Latakia, and Hama.
Witness accounts indicate that assailants would seek to identify residents’ sect affiliations, resulting in executions based on their responses. Survivors reported harrowing experiences, including witnessing men executed in front of their families, as hospitals similarly became targets of violence. The UN has underscored the significance of securing humanitarian aid amid this escalating crisis.
In a positive development, the UN welcomed the agreement between Syria’s Caretaker Authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This deal aims to integrate SDF combat units into the national army and recognizes the Kurds’ role in Syrian statehood. UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen expressed hope that this would galvanize an inclusive political transition, aligning with Security Council resolution 2254, aimed at establishing a new constitution and facilitating elections.
Humanitarian efforts are ongoing, with 31 trucks transporting aid from Türkiye into northwest Syria, delivering over 600 metric tons of essential supplies. The UN continues to amplify its aid efforts to respond to those affected by increasing violence.
In the Philippines, former President Rodrigo Duterte has been apprehended in Manila under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant related to his controversial drug enforcement policies. The ICC, while not a UN body, has a cooperative relationship with it. Several OHCHR reports have cited substantial allegations of extrajudicial killings during Duterte’s administration, raising concerns regarding accountability and victim protection.
As for Sudan, humanitarian partners report severely dire conditions in areas like El Fasher due to ongoing conflict. With over 200 health facilities non-operational, the healthcare system is overwhelmed. The violence between government forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has compounded the humanitarian crisis, leaving millions without access to healthcare. The WHO has documented attacks on health facilities, emphasizing an urgent need for support and protection of civilians in these regions.
In summary, the article highlights three significant crises: ongoing violence in Syria targeting Alawite communities, the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in connection with drug war abuses, and the critical healthcare situation in Sudan amid ongoing conflicts. The UN has called for increased humanitarian efforts and political resolutions while acknowledging the gross human rights violations reported across these regions. – The article underscores the urgent need for international response and support to alleviate these humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
