The article outlines violent clashes in Syria involving mass killings, particularly against the Alawite minority, and highlights the need for urgent action from transitional authorities. It reports on ongoing war crimes in the CAR and emphasizes the necessity for legal accountability and protective measures against violence. Additionally, it discusses the arrest of former Philippine President Duterte under an ICC warrant for crimes against humanity, marking a significant move towards justice for victims of state-sponsored violence.
Between March 6 and 9, armed clashes erupted in northwest Syria, particularly in the Latakia, Hama, and Tartus governorates. These confrontations involved armed groups loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad ambushing transitional government security forces during a stated security initiative. Reports indicate that over 1,000 individuals were killed, including many civilians from the Alawite minority, who were deliberately targeted due to their sectarian identity. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed profound concern regarding these summary executions based on sectarian affiliations, urging caretaker authorities to implement measures to protect civilians and facilitate thorough investigations into the violent incidents.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) documented the extrajudicial killings of 383 individuals by armed groups aligned with Assad, and 420 individuals by transitional government forces. The targeted killings extended to entire Alawite families, including children, resulting in thousands seeking refuge in Lebanon. Interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa announced an independent committee to investigate the violations that occurred on March 6, with the results anticipated within a month. Furthermore, he pledged accountability for those perpetrating violence against civilians and proposed a second committee focused on fostering civil peace in affected communities.
Since December 2024, transitional authorities in Syria have attempted to dismantle remnants of Assad’s regime, hosted a National Dialogue Conference, and established a committee for drafting a constitutional declaration. Nonetheless, persistent challenges, such as escalating tensions and continued hostilities, have hampered the transition process. Despite this, a historic merger agreement between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and state institutions was reached on March 10, potentially paving the way for a more unified approach and a nationwide ceasefire.
The transitional authorities are urged to take prompt and decisive actions to safeguard all Syrians, condemn retributive violence, and ensure accountability for perpetrators. Expanding the investigative committee’s scope to encompass violations from March 7 to 9 is deemed essential, along with transparency in reporting its findings. The establishment of guarantees to prevent future occurrences and the implementation of a comprehensive transitional justice mechanism is crucial to resolving both historical and present grievances.
A report published on March 5 by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the MINUSCA mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) highlighted likely war crimes by armed groups targeting predominantly Muslim communities and Sudanese refugees. Documented attacks occurred in October 2024 and January 2025, resulting in at least 24 fatalities, including extrajudicial executions. The Wagner Ti Azandé group, allied with the national army, was implicated in orchestrating these violent acts. The report also emphasized the desperate state of security in the targeted prefectures, prompting the army to collaborate with local armed entities.
The WTA and AAKG have systematically attacked civilians based on ethnic affiliations while the lack of state security has exacerbated violence. Public executions and calls for violence from local authorities have created an atmosphere of terror, significantly threatening inter-communal relations. There exist considerable risks of recurring violence due to persistent hate speech, power vacuums, and widespread impunity in the region. Christine Caldera, an expert on CAR, remarked that the report serves as a critical warning of ongoing violence risks that necessitate immediate protective measures for vulnerable populations.
Although the government has initiated some actions against the violence, such as criminal arrests and tribunal plans, urgent measures to bolster community protection are required. Enhanced collaboration between MINUSCA and the national army is needed, alongside the exclusion of WTA members from military ranks. Legal accountability for all perpetrators of violence is essential, and cooperation with civil society is necessary to reinforce social cohesion and peacebuilding initiatives.
On March 11, authorities in the Philippines announced the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for crimes against humanity related to the “war on drugs.” Although the arrest warrant remains undisclosed, the ICC’s investigations into alleged crimes during Duterte’s presidency—including extrajudicial killings—highlight significant concerns. Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019, the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes occurring while it was a member.
During Duterte’s administration, police and vigilantes reportedly killed thousands of individuals suspected of drug-related offenses. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported at least 8,660 deaths linked to extrajudicial actions, while some estimates suggest the true number might be threefold. Serious impunity prevails, with minimal accountability for abuses occurring during this time. Furthermore, Duterte’s controversial public statements regarding the violence faced criticism and highlighted a systematic disregard for human rights.
Duterte’s arrest has drawn mixed reactions, but it represents a pivotal advancement towards justice for the numerous victims of his administration’s brutal policies. Calls for the Philippines to rejoin the Rome Statute have emerged, underscoring the importance of holding individuals accountable for human rights violations. Savita Pawnday, Executive Director of the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, described Duterte’s arrest as a significant moment for international justice, especially amidst rising challenges to the integrity of the ICC.
In summary, the recent violence in Syria, the serious human rights violations in the Central African Republic, and the arrest of former President Duterte in the Philippines highlight the urgent need for accountability and protection for vulnerable populations. Immediate action from transitional authorities in Syria and collaborative efforts in the CAR are vital to addressing ethnic tensions and preventing further atrocities. The ICC’s involvement in the Philippines underscores ongoing international justice efforts that, if upheld, could restore some measure of accountability for the victims of egregious human rights violations. Collectively, these situations illustrate the enduring necessity of preventive measures to safeguard human rights and promote justice globally.
Original Source: www.globalr2p.org
