GENEVA - The most recent violence in Suwayda governorate in southern Syria has reportedly resulted in the deaths of dozens, including women and children, and the injury of more than one hundred others, with clashes reportedly ongoing. A conflict between Bedouin tribal forces and local armed groups drawn from the Druze community has escalated significantly in recent days, drawing the deployment of Syrian Interim government security and military forces to the city and prompting a series of Israeli-claimed airstrikes. Local residents have reported killings, abductions, burning of properties, and looting, as well as an increase in incitement and hate speech online and in person. The interim Ministry of Defence has reported at least 18 soldiers have been killed.
The UN Syria Commission of Inquiry expresses deep concern over the renewed escalation of violence and recalls that it is the interim government's responsibility to ensure the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights of all its people, free from any form of discrimination, and calls on all parties to cease violence immediately and de-escalate the situation through dialogue. Civilians seeking to flee must be protected and afforded safe passage and access to humanitarian support.
The Commission is alarmed by reports of Israeli airstrikes in the area. Any third-state intervention risks widening the conflict, drawing in more actors, and inflicting even greater suffering on the Syrian people.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic is currently investigating alleged violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law in relation to these events and will report on them in due course.
