Open Statement on the Situation in Syria

www.globalr2p.org

26 April, 2011

The Syrian government must immediately cease attacks on unarmed civilians protesting peacefully. The government’s response to protests that began in mid-March has become increasingly violent with security forces carrying out a deadly crackdown in response to the 22 April “Great Friday” demonstrations. Hundreds are dead and thousands wounded with many more arbitrarily arrested, tortured and disappeared, acts which may rise to the level of crimes against humanity, one of the four crimes that states committed themselves to protect populations from in adopting the responsibility to protect in 2005. Pursuant to this commitment, the Syrian government bears the primary responsibility to halt and avert the commission of atrocities, an obligation that it is currently failing to fulfill.

The situation is deteriorating and the risk of further atrocities is significant. Over 350 individuals have allegedly been killed since the protests began, at least 120 since Friday alone. The security forces have shown no restraint, using live fire ammunition against unarmed protesters. In the southern city of Deraa they are relying on tanks and other heavy weaponry to respond to demonstrations. Reports have emerged from that city of the shelling of residential neighborhoods and the use of snipers targeting those trying to assist the wounded. Foreign reporters have been banned from entering the country and there are reports that telephone service has been cut in certain cities making it difficult to get information out and leading to fears about what the government plans to do hidden from the attention of the world.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and other government officials have argued that the unrest is being instigated by “armed groups.” By characterizing unarmed civilians, including children, the elderly, medical professionals seeking to reach the wounded and those participating in funeral processions, as armed militants the threat of atrocities is dramatically heightened. In addition, recent statements have blamed a “conspiracy” of “Salafists,” adherents to the Salafi sect of Islam, for the protests and resulting violence, which suggests an attempt to stoke sectarian division and to portray the protesters as violent extremists. The government’s history of silencing opposition raises serious concerns that the regime is willing to do whatever is necessary to retain power.

On 21 April President Assad lifted the emergency law – in place since 1963 – that suspended constitutional protections including banning free assembly and granting the state expanded powers to arrest and detain individuals. While this is a positive step the fact that it was immediately replaced with a law requiring government permission for demonstrations calls into question the Assad government’s sincere commitment to reform. Since the lifting of the law protesters, opposition figures and activists continue to be targeted, arrested or disappeared. The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights has referred to the conduct of the government as “paper reforms followed by violent crackdowns on protesters.”

Key figures within Syria, including several members of parliament representing the city of Deraa, have recognized that violence is not an acceptable response to peaceful protests and have resigned in protest against the government’s actions. The government must uphold its responsibility to protect and ensure that security forces stop targeting unarmed civilians and act in accordance with their obligations under international law. There must also be, as Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon demanded on 22 April, “an independent, transparent and effective investigation into the killings” with those responsible held accountable.

UN member states must speak with one voice in condemning the violence and calling on the Syrian government to halt attacks on civilians. The UN Security Council must, in their 26 April meeting, address the situation and consider the imposition of targeted economic sanctions and travel bans on those individuals known to be inciting, ordering or perpetrating atrocities against civilians. The European Union should similarly enact such sanctions. The UN Human Rights Council, which Syria seeks to join, should hold an emergency session to discuss the situation and issue a strong statement making clear that such violence is unacceptable. Regional actors must add their calls for restraint.

The risks to civilians are clear. It is crucial that, in keeping with the responsibility to protect, UN member states use all available leverage to encourage the Syrian government to end the violent crackdown. Action today will save lives, prevent the situation from spinning out of control, and send a clear message to others contemplating a similar response to peaceful protests.

 

 

 

 

 

By Eileen Gould
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

DAMASCUS, Syria – On Sunday security forces and secret police raided a town on the western coast of Syria and allegedly fired on protesters without warning.  In Jableh, witnesses say that security forces began firing on small groups of protesters, as they started to gather in the streets.  One man was killed.

Protestors continued to gather in the streets, spurred on by the violence.  As they chanted, calling for the end of the regime, snipers fired from the roofs of nearby buildings.

On Saturday in the there were also reports that security forces fired shots at people who were paying their respects to protesters that had been killed.  The incident left at least ten people dead.  In addition, many police officers have been injured during the attacks on protesters.

These demonstrations have been going on for several weeks, with protesters calling for the government to end the state of emergency and martial law and for the release of political prisoners.

In the meantime, Human Rights Watch has recommended that the United Nations set up an international inquiry into the incident which left many peaceful protesters dead  and other human rights violations that have occurred in Syria. The organization also suggested imposing sanctions on Syrian officials who are responsible for the attacks on peaceful protesters as well as the detention and torture of some protesters.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as well as the president of the European Parliament and US President Barack Obama have condemned the violence and have called on the Syrian government to stop using violence against protesters.

The Canadian government has also expressed concern over the use of violence against protesters in Syria.

Human Rights Watch officials stated, “President Bashar al-Asad’s promises of reform mean nothing while his security forces are free to kill peaceful protesters. The Obama administration and the EU should push for meaningful sanctions that will persuade President Asad to end the shootings and restore human rights.”

For more information please see:
CNN – Security Forces Open Fire on Syrian protesters; at least 1 dead – 24 April 2011

Human Rights Watch – Syria: World Should Impose Sanctions on Leadership – 24 April 2011

Montreal Gazette – Canada ‘deeply concerned’ by Syria crackdown – 24 April 2011

By Eric C. Sigmund
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

DAMASCUS, Syria –Security forces open fire on mourners gathered in the suburbs of Damascus, to pay their respects to friends and family lost in the bloodiest day since the outbreaks of protests in Syria.  Six were shot dead.  Over one hundred people were killed Friday when security forces advanced on civilian protesters in the country’s capital.  This comes just days after President Bashar al-Assad issued a ban on public demonstrations.

Tens of thousands were reported to have attended Friday’s funerals for the fallen.  Security forces attempted to deter the gathering by firing on those traveling to the event.  “There were was a heavy volley of gunfire in our direct as we approached Ezra to join the funerals of martyrs” commented one Syrian.  Reports confirm that at least three civilians will killed by snipers on their way to the funeral.

Despite Assad’s recent move to end decades of emergency rule, the government has attempted to reassert control and order of the public through violent reprisals.  Now some analysts are beginning to suggest that the imposition of martial law is near.

Government officials have failed to take responsibility for authorizing the use of force against peaceful protesters, instead alleging that violence is the product of disgruntled armed criminal gangs.   One official dismissed reports of civilian casualties stating that the deaths were mere fabrications, made up by gangs carrying bottles of fake blood. Other officials insist that security forces had only used water cannons and tear gas to disband protests.

Human rights groups have widely condemned the Syrian government for violations of international law. The government’s restrictions on access to foreign journalists have made it difficult to get real time information about the crisis and formulate an accurate assessment of those dead in Syria.  Syrian human rights activists estimate that over 200 people have been killed since March 16^th.

In the face of violent crackdowns, anti-government momentum remains strong and the public resilient.   Calls for the end of the Assad regime continue to ring out in city squares throughout the country as protesters make clear they are willing to risk their lives for the future of their country.  And protests have not been in vain.  Numerous concessions, albright limited, have been given to citizens.  In addition, a number of governing officials have resigned from their posts, surcoming to pressure from civilian ousters.  Two more officials of the country’s defunct Parliament resigned after Friday’s massacres.

But there is little indication that the President will soften his positions.  As Assad attempts to cling to power, the risk that full blown civil conflict could ignite within Syria continues to rise.  Whether the international community will react as it did in Libya remains to be seen but one thing remains clear; the situation in Syria will likely get worse before it gets better.

For more information, please see:

Sydney Morning Herald – Outrage at Massacre of 88 Protesters – Apr. 24, 2011

BBC Middle East – Syria Protests: Security Forces “Fire on Mourners” – Apr. 23, 2011

New York Times – Syrian Security Forces Fire on Mourners in Several Towns – Apr. 23, 2011

Ynet – Syria Buries Scores of Dead Amid Growing Unrest – Apr. 23, 2011

By Eileen Gould
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

HOMS, Syria – Leaders in the international community have spoken out against the Syrian government and has called upon it put an end to the arbitrary arrest, detention, and torture of civilians.  U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the violence in Syria at a news conference today.

The most recent reports of violence among civilians are from the Syrian city of Homs.  However, journalists have not been allowed access to the city, which has made it difficult to determine what exactly is happening.  Activists have reported that more than twenty pro-democracy protestors have been shot and killed by military forces.

In Homs, demonstrators have been protesting since Monday, calling for the “downfall of the regime”.  Military forces were deployed and government officials ordered the protestors to disperse.  These demonstrations have continued, even though the government has ratified legislation that ended the state of emergency that has been in effect in Syria for the past forty-eight years.  The newly-elected cabinet also approved legislation that requires Syrians to obtain approval from the government before holding a demonstration.

Secretary of State Clinton has suggested that Syria allow “free movement and free access” and that it “stop the arbitrary arrest, detentions and torture of prisoners.”  The people of Syria have raised issue and seek lasting reform, which Clinton thinks the government needs to address.

In another city, Banias, where civilians were shot and killed last week, the chief of the security police was fired.  According to local residents, Amjad Abbas was observed beating a villager along with several other officers.

Reports indicate that more than two hundred people have been killed since the uprisings, inspired by Egypt and Tunisia, began over a month ago.  Various rights groups are seeking independent investigations into the acts of military forces during this time.

The state of emergency has been in effect since 1963, when the Baath Party performed a coup and seized power.  Security forces were allowed to suppress dissent because gatherings of more than five people were prohibited.  The new law which requires demonstrators to obtain permission did not clarify whether ending the state of emergency would create a less restrictive government.

While the new law is viewed as a positive sign, the U.S. State Department stated that it’s up to the Syrian people to ensure that it is sufficient and that real change happens.

For more information please see:
Reuters – Clinton Says Syria Must Stop Detention, Torture – 20 April 2011

Reuters – Protest Erupts in Syria’s Homs Despite New Law – 20 April 2011

The Christian Science Monitor – End of Emergency Rule in Syria Unlikely to Quell Protests or Stop Arrests – 20 April 2011

By Eileen Gould
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

DERA’A, Syria – Syrian military troops opened fire on protestors who were demonstrating peacefully, killing a number of them.  This prompted tens of thousands of protestors in cities and towns around Syria to gather to challenge the government.

Since the protests began a week ago in the southern portion of Syria, 38 people have been killed by government forces and many more were killed on Friday.  Because the government refused to let reporters into the country, exact details about the incident are difficult to obtain.

Protestors apparently set fire to a statue of President Bashar al-Assad’s father, former President Hafez al-Assad.  Security forces then fired into the crowd and threw tear gas canisters.

A spokeswoman for the President stated that the government had not ordered the troops to fire on the protesters.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke out against the Syrian authorities’ actions and called upon them to refrain from the use of violence.  In a statement issued on March 23, he also stated that those responsible must be held accountable.

The U.S. has also expressed concern over the situation in Syria.  “We urge on the government of Syria what we have urged on the governments in other regions: that they pursue a peaceful course here, that they participate in a political dialogue with their people, because that is the better path,” stated White House spokesman Jay Carney.

Human rights organizations have also condemned the manner in which authorities responded to the protestors.

Philip Luther, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, stated, “The Syrian authorities must cease the use of excessive force to crush protests and immediately release all of those detained for the peaceful expression of their beliefs.”

Authorities also closed roads to the town of Dera’a and detained as many as 93 people, including a man who had been appointed as a community leader to negotiate with the authorities.  Recent reports indicate that almost all of these people, ranging in age from 14 to 45 and including students and journalists, have been released.

On Thursday, the government of Syria stated that it would consider reforms, including a possible end to the emergency law, which were passed in 1963.  This law permits the government to override the constitution and penal code statutes and also allows authorities to make preventive arrests.

According to a representative of Amnesty International, it is questionable as to whether the government will keep their promises to reform the law.  “The government has made similar statements before, yet the repressive state of emergency has endured with little tolerance for dissenting views for nearly half a century.”

Amnesty further called upon the Syrian government to stop the use of excessive force and to allow peaceful protestors to assemble freely.

For more information please see:
AFP – US condemns new Syria violence – 25 March 2011

Amnesty International – Syria Death Toll Climbs As Protests Spread – 25 March 2011

UN News Centre – Syria: UN human rights office voices concerns about situation – 25 March 2011

Amnesty International – Spiralling Syria Death Toll Reports ‘Disturbing’ – 24 March 2011

UN Secretary-General – Secretary-General Condemns Violence in Southern Syria, Urges Investigation – 23 March 2011