GENEVA - Syria's interim authorities must ensure accountability and justice for the killings and other gross human rights violations and abuses in the southern city of Suweida, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said today, repeating his call for a new Syria that works for all its people, equal in dignity and without discrimination.
Credible reports received by the UN Human Rights Office indicate widespread violations and abuses, including summary executions and arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property and looting of homes. Among the reported perpetrators were members of the security forces and individuals affiliated with the interim authorities, as well as other armed elements from the area, including Druze and Bedouins. This has led to a mass displacement of the population in the predominantly Druze governorate.
"This bloodshed and the violence must stop, and the protection of all people must be the utmost priority, in line with international human rights law," Türk said. "There must be independent, prompt and transparent investigations into all violations, and those responsible must be held to account, in accordance with international standards. Incitement to violence and hate speech, both online and offline, must also be stopped.
"It is crucial that immediate steps are taken to prevent recurrence of such violence. Revenge and vengeance are not the answer."
In one incident, on 15 July, the UN Human Rights Office documented the unlawful killing of at least 13 people when armed individuals affiliated with the interim authorities deliberately opened fire at a family gathering. On the same day, they reportedly summarily executed six men near their homes in two separate incidents. The Office has also documented the public humiliation of a Druze man, including the forcible shaving of his moustache, an important cultural symbol for the Druze community.
In all, hundreds have been reportedly killed since 12 July.
"My Office has received accounts of distressed Syrians who are living in fear for their lives and those of their loved ones," said the High Commissioner. "The deployment of State security forces should bring safety and protection, not add to the fear and violence."
He also raised concerns regarding reports of civilian casualties resulting from Israel's airstrikes on Suweida, Daraa and in the centre of Damascus. "Attacks such as the one on Damascus on Wednesday pose great risks to civilians and civilian objects. Such attacks must cease," the High Commissioner said.
Türk called for a thorough, urgent and independent vetting process to ensure that those responsible for human rights violations and abuses are not integrated into Syria's official security or military structures. "This is a vital step in rebuilding public trust and advancing Syria's broader transition," he said.
He also called on the Syrian interim authorities to publish the results of the national fact-finding committee's investigations into the violence in coastal areas earlier this year.
"Impartial and thorough investigations into the recent violence would also strengthen the ongoing wider transitional justice process to ensure accountability for past violations and abuses," the High Commissioner added. "Syrians deserve truth, accountability, and guarantees that such violations will not be repeated."
"With the fall of the former government, Syrians have witnessed a moment of hope for a better future based on human rights. It is the responsibility of the interim authorities to demonstrate that this chapter will be defined by rights, justice, and equal protection for all."
