Amnesty urges Syrian authorities to ensure justice, end violations

Amnesty urged the Syrian interim authorities to take immediate steps to address serious human rights violations, stressing that the absence of independent investigations and genuine accountability is exacerbating the suffering of victims. Marking one year since the government’s formation, Amnesty emphasized the need for urgent international action to ensure justice, amid continued abuses affecting various components of society.

Sectarian Massacres

In a report published yesterday, Tuesday, Amnesty stated that the mass killings witnessed in Syria’s coastal regions, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,400 people, constitute war crimes, particularly in the absence of an independent international investigation. Despite the initiation of limited trials, a large number of suspects remain unaccountable, with criticism that proceedings have targeted only direct perpetrators without reaching those primarily responsible.

Kidnapping of Women and Girls

The report also highlighted a rise in kidnappings of women and girls, particularly in Latakia and Tartus, where dozens of cases linked to ransom demands and forced marriage have been documented. The report criticized what it described as a “clear governmental failure to conduct serious investigations,” alongside accusations that authorities are downplaying the scale of the phenomenon.

In southern Syria, Amnesty documented cases of extrajudicial killings in Sweida, where dozens of civilians, including men and women, were killed in incidents occurring inside public facilities and homes. Despite announcements of investigative committees, no tangible results have been recorded so far.

Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

Amnesty warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis due to severe drought and declining agricultural production, noting that millions of Syrians are in urgent need of assistance at a time when international funding has significantly declined, further complicating living conditions.

It also pointed out that more than 100,000 people have remained missing since 2011, with a clear slowdown in the work of relevant bodies tasked with uncovering their fate. Families of victims have expressed frustration over the lack of serious and practical steps in this regard.

Recommendations and International Appeals

The report concluded by stressing the need for inclusive transitional justice that encompasses all victims without exception. It called for the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, ensuring fair trials, and granting international investigative bodies full access to sites of violations. It also urged increased international humanitarian support and pressure to end violations and achieve accountability.

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ANHA