The United Nations’ Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria has sounded the alarm about escalating hostilities, severe economic deterioration, and ongoing human rights abuses. This cautionary tone comes despite diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation in Syria, including the reintegration of Assad’s regime into the Arab League.
The commission’s recent report, spanning from January 1 to June 30, highlighted an uptick in fighting, impacts from the discontinuation of the international aid-crossing mechanism, and violations against Syrians across various regions.
Recent Attacks on Idlib and Aleppo
The report indicated that the past weeks have witnessed the displacement of thousands in Idlib due to bombings and skirmishes. Clashes in Deir al-Zour also resulted in numerous casualties. Notably, demonstrations erupted in areas under regime control, especially in Sweida. The commission documented 15 attacks on Idlib and Aleppo by Assad’s militia and Russia, resulting in the death or injury of 89 civilians, including children and women. One notable incident was an airstrike on a vegetable market in Idlib in June, causing over 37 civilian casualties.
Sergio Pinheiro, the commission’s chairperson, remarked, “Before Syria delves deeper into the repercussions of escalating violence and economic decline, we urge major stakeholders to halt attacks on civilians and address urgent needs.”
Pinheiro further pressed Assad’s regime to engage constructively with Syrians’ legitimate aspirations and rights as a solution to the conflict.
Impediments to Aid Delivery
Following the devastating earthquakes in February, the report recorded unjustifiable obstructions to life-saving aid by Assad’s regime and other parties. Moreover, targets in the quake-affected area continued to be bombed. Commissioner Lynn Welshman commented on the persistent attacks on civilians and the Security Council’s failure to reach a consensus on extending the humanitarian aid access mechanism through the border crossing, stating it serves as a glaring reminder of Syria’s hostile actions, politicization, and distractions, causing harm to civilians and depriving them of essential aid.
Commission’s Recommendations
The commission reiterated its call for halting all attacks on civilians, the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained individuals in Syria, holding perpetrators accountable through fair trials, supporting the newly-established institution to determine the fate of the disappeared, and allowing the flow of humanitarian aid to those in need.
It’s worth noting that the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria was established on August 22, 2011, by the Human Rights Council. With its mandate recently extended to March 2024, the commission investigates all alleged human rights abuses committed since 2011.
