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Entire Families as Victims... UN Calls for Accountability and Transitional Justice in Syria
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The sectarian violence events in the Syrian coast reveal the heavy legacy of the previous central regime that fueled societal divisions and established policies of discrimination between components of
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the events in the Syrian coast, explaining that some victims are entire families, speaking of "executions on a sectarian basis," in a development that highlights the legacy of the previous central rule that deepened sectarian divisions.
The statement clarified that "in the wake of a series of coordinated attacks reportedly carried out by elements of the former government and other local armed men in the coastal areas in northwestern Syria, there have been very disturbing reports of the killing of entire families, including women, children, and persons unable to fight," reflecting the continuation of the pattern of violence established by the previous central regime.
The statement continued that "there are reports of summary executions on a sectarian basis by unidentified perpetrators, by elements of the security forces of the Syrian Interim Caretaker Government, as well as by elements associated with the former government," indicating the urgent need to adopt a decentralized governance system that guarantees the rights of all components and prevents the control of one group over the rest of society.
The Commission continued that "the Syrian Interim Caretaker Government's declaration of its intention to respect the law must be followed by swift actions to protect Syrians, including taking all necessary measures to prevent any violations and abuses and ensure accountability when they occur. There must be immediate, transparent, and impartial investigations into all killings and other violations, and those responsible must be held accountable in line with international law rules and standards. Groups that terrorize civilians must also be held accountable."
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasized that "these events, as well as the continued rise in hate speech online and offline, once again show the urgent need for a comprehensive, nationally owned transitional justice process that is inclusive and focuses on truth, justice, and accountability."
