Violations report in NE Syria region for 2024

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the Syrian Human Rights Organization issued a statement to the public, read by Avin Jumaa, an official at the Syrian Human Rights Organization, at the Martyrs' 12th of March Stadium in Qamishlo. The statement reads:

"In the context of a large-scale repression and intimidation process used as a systematic method to impose military control, which contributes to demographic change through the forced displacement of civilians from their areas, continuing for more than a decade, the latest chapters of this were witnessed in the cities of Tal Rifaat, Shahba, and earlier in Afrin, Serê Kaniyê, and Girê Spî. The original inhabitants were forcibly displaced, given the option to leave the area, with a corridor opened for them to be displaced once more, in exchange for preserving their lives. This took place amidst a severe humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands left homeless, besieged by hunger and cold. Many of them were subjected to arrest, torture, and assault, and many lost their lives during the harsh displacement journey. This is a clear message about the fate awaiting them if they stay and cling to their land.

Additionally, the cities of Manbij, Ain Issa, and their rural areas have witnessed ongoing military attacks, which intensified in recent days, causing the loss of many civilian lives. This signals a new chapter of displacement and further suffering for the Syrians, especially in the North and East Syria region, which is under threat from Turkey and its affiliated armed factions.

In Syria, at a time when the fall of the Syrian regime was announced after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham took control of Aleppo, which then extended to other provinces in Homs, Hama, and Damascus within days, we continue to suffer from ongoing incitement in the North and East Syria region. The continued military attacks by the Turkish state and its affiliated factions on the region, committing massacres against civilians, alongside the persistent threat from ISIS, has not ceased despite the efforts made. Therefore, the future of human rights remains a cause for concern unless all forms of occupation within Syrian territories, considered an act of aggression, are ended, along with the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed, according to the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. On this International Human Rights Day, and in protection of civilians and their future in Syria, we demand the following:

-A Security Council resolution imposing a ceasefire and halting military escalation in all Syrian conflict zones, stopping all military operations leading to forced displacement and violations against civilians, and adhering to international human rights law to protect civilians from direct and indirect targeting, especially in North and East Syria. We call for firm action against all practices aimed at changing the demographic structure for ethnic and racial purposes that undermine the foundations of civil peace and coexistence.

-Allowing independent organizations and neutral international mechanisms access to all conflict areas to document violations and coordinate with the International Commission of Inquiry and the United Nations’ Independent International Mechanism to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the crimes committed, gathering evidence, analyzing it, and coordinating with international judicial bodies to ensure accountability for those responsible for these crimes.

-We also call on UN agencies and international humanitarian organizations to launch an urgent response to meet the basic needs of forcibly displaced persons and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to all affected individuals.

-Ending the occupation of all Syrian territories and ensuring the safe return of all forcibly displaced persons to their areas without harm and compensating them for their losses.

-Immediate efforts to uncover the fate of all the missing and detained individuals and to release them.

-Adopting a comprehensive political solution for Syria, based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which guarantees the participation of all components of the Syrian people without exclusion or marginalization, under the auspices of the United Nations.

Violations report in NE Syria region and occupied areas for 2024

A total of 386 cases of killings and injuries, including men, women, and children, have been documented this year.

-43 cases of killings and 69 cases of injuries during drone attacks.

-38 cases of killings and 87 cases of injuries during artillery shelling.

-28 cases of killings and 18 cases of injuries during clashes.

-53 cases of killings and 20 cases of injuries during explosions.

A-H

ANHA