Syria: UN chief condemns latest bloody violence against civilians
(August 01, 2011) The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday voiced his deep
concern over reports from Syria that hundreds of protesters have been killed or injured
in the city of Hama and other towns across the country during the weekend. He strongly
condemned the use of force against civilians and called on the Government of Syria
to immediately halt the violence. Mr. Ban reiterated that Syrian authorities have
an obligation to respect the human rights of the country's people, including their
freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly. He urged the Government to heed
the legitimate aspirations of the population. “The Secretary-General reminds the Syrian
authorities that they are accountable under international human rights law for all
acts of violence perpetrated by them against the civilian population,” said a statement
issued by his spokesperson. According to media reports, Syrian security forces have
killed dozens of people in Hama. Authorities said soldiers were sent to the city to
remove barricades erected by the protesters.