UN rights chief decries ‘bloodshed’ in southern Syria, demands prompt investigation

The United Nations human rights chief demands that Syria’s interim authorities ensure accountability after days of deadly clashes in the southern Druze-majority city of Sweida that reportedly left hundreds dead.

“This bloodshed and the violence must stop and the protection of all people must be the utmost priority,” Volker Turk says in a statement.

He demands “independent, prompt and transparent investigations into all violations” and adds: “Those responsible must be held to account.”

“It is crucial that immediate steps are taken to prevent recurrence of such violence,” he says.

“Revenge and vengeance are not the answer.”

His comments come after Syrian troops pulled out of the Druze heartland yesterday on the orders of the Islamist-led government, following days of clashes that reportedly killed nearly 600 people.

The southern province has been gripped by deadly sectarian bloodshed since Sunday, with hundreds reportedly killed in clashes pitting Druze fighters against Sunni Bedouin tribes and the army and its allies.

Turk’s statement cites credible reports indicating “widespread violations and abuses, including summary executions and arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property and looting of homes.”

“Among the reported perpetrators were members of the security forces and individuals affiliated with the interim authorities, as well as other armed elements from the area, including Druze and Bedouins,” the statement says.

This had sparked “mass displacement,” it says.

It highlights one incident on July 15, when the UN rights office documented the “unlawful killing of at least 13 people when armed individuals affiliated with the interim authorities deliberately opened fire at a family gathering.”

On the same day, such individuals also reportedly summarily executed six men near their homes in two separate incidents, it says.

“The deployment of state security forces should bring safety and protection, not add to the fear and violence,” Turk says.

“With the fall of the former government, Syrians have witnessed a moment of hope for a better future based on human rights,” he says.

“It is the responsibility of the interim authorities to demonstrate that this chapter will be defined by rights, justice, and equal protection for all.”