Geneva, SANA- The UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria has found evidence of widespread violence in the coastal region last March, including acts that may constitute war crimes. The Commission urged the Syrian government to ensure accountability for all perpetrators, regardless of affiliation.
The commission expressed its gratitude to the government for granting unrestricted access to the affected areas in Latakia and Tartous last June, including access to a group of officials and three mass grave sites.
In a report published on Thursday, the commission said that its extensive investigations were based on more than 200 interviews with victims and witnesses.
The report concluded that the violence occurred in the Coastal region in March included “killings, torture, widespread looting, and the burning of homes, displacing tens of thousands of civilians”.
“These acts, which included violations that may amount to war crimes, were committed by fighters loyal to the former regime, or the so-called ‘regime remnants,’ in addition to acts committed by individuals affiliated with or working alongside government forces” the report said.
The commission indicated that “in some cases, government forces sought to stop violations and evacuate and protect civilians”. However, at the same time, “members of certain factions recently integrated into the security forces extrajudicially executed and tortured civilians.”
The commission noted that the Syrian government is committed to identifying those responsible for the March events and ensuring their accountability.
It referred to the Syrian National Commission of Inquiry report issued on 22 July which stated that it had initially “identified 298 suspects from military factions and 265 linked to armed groups affiliated with the former government, and referred their names to the attorney general”.
Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, President of the International Commission, called on the Syrian government to continue its efforts to hold all perpetrators accountable, regardless of their affiliation. He noted that dozens of perpetrators of violations have been arrested and that these efforts must be expanded.
The International Commission called for an “urgent need to hold perpetrators of violations in the coastal region accountable, particularly in light of the alleged violations and abuses during the recent events in Sweida”, which the Commission is currently investigating.
The Commission renewed its calls for calm and dialogue, respect for human rights without discrimination, and respect for international humanitarian law, particularly the rapid and unhindered passage of humanitarian relief to civilians in need, as well as the protection of all civilians.
Abdul
