GENEVA, March 9, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – The United Nations condemned reports of entire families being killed in northwestern Syria, calling the situation “extremely disturbing” and urging an immediate end to the violence.
UN rights chief Volker Turk demanded swift investigations into the killings, emphasising that those responsible must be held accountable.
The violence erupted on Thursday when clashes between Syria’s security forces and loyalists of the former government broke out in the heartland of the Alawite minority, to which ousted president Bashar al-Assad belongs. These clashes have since escalated into mass killings.
Turk stated, “There are reports of summary executions on a sectarian basis by unidentified perpetrators, by members of the caretaker authorities’ security forces, as well as by elements associated with the former government.”
“We are receiving extremely disturbing reports of entire families, including women, children, and hors de combat fighters, being killed,” he continued, demanding that “the killing of civilians in coastal areas in northwest Syria must cease immediately.”
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa called for national unity and peace on Sunday, with Turk stressing that the country’s authorities must take action to protect Syrians and ensure accountability for any violations.
“There must be prompt, transparent, and impartial investigations into all the killings and other violations, and those responsible must be held to account, in line with international law norms and standards. Groups terrorising civilians must also be held accountable,” Turk added.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed deep concern over the impact of the clashes on the health of civilians, as health facilities and ambulances have been damaged. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on X, “WHO is working to deliver emergency medicines and trauma supplies for the immediate care of the injured.”
“WHO urges all parties to respect and safeguard health services to ensure medical aid reaches those who need it most. Peace is the best medicine,” he added.
Supplementary Information:
The violence in Syria has deeply affected the country’s already fragile health system. Attacks on medical facilities have been an ongoing issue throughout the civil war, which has lasted for more than a decade. The UN and humanitarian organisations continue to call for greater protection of civilians and medical workers in conflict zones. With the humanitarian situation worsening, global leaders have been urged to take decisive actions to bring about peace and end the ongoing atrocities.