International Commission of Inquiry begins its 2nd tour in Sweida

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria began its second visit to Sweida on Sunday, meeting with a number of families of martyrs and residents of affected villages. This is part of its efforts to establish the facts about the violations and massacres that took place in the region in mid-July.

The commission concluded its first visit to Sweida on October 8, following a tour that included the city and several neighboring areas. In an official statement, the commission expressed its gratitude for the facilitation of its mission, affirming its aspiration to continue field visits "provided that conditions that guarantee the commission's independence and respect the confidential nature of its work are met."

The commission also expressed its appreciation to the survivors, witnesses, and community leaders who provided testimony regarding suspected violations, explaining that it had presented preliminary recommendations to address human rights concerns to the relevant authorities, while investigations are still ongoing.

The commission responded to what it described as "misinformation" circulating on social media about the nature of its mandate, stressing that it had not issued any public calls for testimonies or contact numbers, and calling for using its official website as the sole source of information.

During its first field visit, the committee's delegation visited several villages in the western countryside of Sweida and the town of Qanawat, where it met with Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, the head of the Druze community. It also held meetings at Sweida Hospital with wounded and witnesses to the events.

J.J