Human rights groups in Syria demand an urgent investigation into ongoing violence and ethnic cleansing in the coastal region. They seek accountability for war crimes and propose a UN-led independent investigation. Recent clashes between government and former Assad regime forces have resulted in significant casualties, prompting calls for international intervention and a transparent investigation.
Human rights organizations, including the Kurdish Human Rights Network in Syria, have denounced the ongoing violence occurring in Syria’s coastal region. They have urgently called for an end to the ethnic cleansing and sectarian-based atrocities amidst the conflict between the newly established government and the supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad, following his ousting.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, these groups sought effective international intervention and insisted on accountability for all parties implicated in war crimes, particularly ethnic cleansing. They advocated for the formation of an independent international investigation committee under the oversight of the United Nations to address these issues.
Ethnic cleansing can trigger individual accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Alawites, who are a religious minority that historically dominated the ruling class and military under the Assad regime, are particularly affected by these developments.
The violence intensified last week as fighters supporting Syria’s current government confronted those loyal to Bashar al-Assad. Reports indicate that armed men aligned with Mr. al-Assad ambushed government forces in Latakia province, an area populated by Alawites. Subsequent retaliatory actions by government-affiliated forces, deploying tanks and drones, resulted in over 1,300 deaths, with at least 973 civilians among the casualties—marking the deadliest unrest since the former president’s removal.
Interim President al-Shara addressed the nation on Monday, announcing the cessation of military operations and advocating for national unity. He indicated that a fact-finding committee would be established to investigate and seek justice for the victims of this violence. However, it remains unclear if he attributed sole blame to the former regime’s forces for the ongoing conflict.
The UN human rights chief echoed these sentiments, warning of the escalating violence and emphasizing the necessity for a transparent investigation into the unfolding events.
The Kurdish Human Rights Network and other organizations are calling for a cessation of ethnic cleansing and accountability for war crimes amidst the ongoing violence in Syria. With an alarming death toll resulting from clashes between government forces and supporters of the former regime, the need for an independent investigation is pressing. Interim President al-Shara’s remarks reveal a complex situation regarding responsibility for the violence, highlighting the urgent call for international intervention and unity in Syria.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
