As violence escalates in Syria, UN human rights chief warns of consequences
July 28, 2012: Expressing “deep alarm” over the increased threat to civilians in
Syria, the United Nations human rights chief on Friday urged the country's Government
and armed opposition to protect civilians and abide by their obligations under international
human rights and humanitarian law – or face the consequences. “The Government has
the prime responsibility to protect civilians from all forms of violence,” the UN
High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Navi Pillay, said in a news release. “While
Government forces have on some occasions, in accordance with international humanitarian
law, given civilians a clear opportunity to leave areas it is attacking, on other
occasions it has not. Effective warning is required by international humanitarian
law.” “Civilians and civilian objects – including homes and other property, businesses,
schools and places of worship – must be protected at all times. All parties, including
the Government and opposition forces, must ensure that they distinguish between civilian
and military targets,” she added. Syria has been wracked by violence, with more
than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, killed since the uprising against President
Bashar al-Assad began some 16 months ago. Over recent days, there have been reports
of an escalation in violence in many towns and villages, as well as the country's
two biggest cities, Damascus and Aleppo. Ms. Pillay expressed particular concern about
the likelihood of an imminent major confrontation in Aleppo, Syria's second-largest
city after the capital, Damascus.
“I have been receiving as yet unconfirmed
reports of atrocities, including extra-judicial killings and shooting of civilians
by snipers, that took place during the recent fighting in various suburbs of Damascus,”
she said. “It goes without saying that the increasing use of heavy weapons, tanks,
attack helicopters and – reportedly – even jet fighters in urban areas has already
caused many civilian casualties and is putting many more at grave risk.”
She
noted that the consequences for civilians have been devastating, with between one
million and 1.5 million people reported to have fled their homes, in addition to those
killed and injured. The High Commissioner said “a discernible pattern has emerged”
as Government forces try to clear areas it says are occupied by opposition forces.