“While the interim authorities have taken encouraging steps to address past violations, These steps are just the beginning of what needs to be done.”spokesman Thameen Al-Kheethan told reporters in Geneva.
Summary executions and arbitrary killings
Since last December, Syria’s provisional authorities have established national commissions for transitional justice and missing persons, among other measures.
A transitional justice bill has been announced and trials have begun over deadly violence in coastal areas in March.
“However, we continue to see worrying accounts of summary executions, arbitrary killings and kidnappings, primarily targeting members of certain communities and individuals accused of affiliation with the previous government,” he said.
Minorities affected
Hundreds of people have been killed over the past year at the hands of security forces and affiliated groups, elements associated with the previous government, local armed groups and unidentified armed individuals.
Other reported violations and abuses include sexual violence, arbitrary detentions, destruction of homes, forced evictions, and restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.
The Alawite, Druze, Christian and Bedouin communities were mainly affected by the violence, which has been fueled by growing hate speech both online and offline.
Raids by Israeli forces
“The past year was also marked by repeated Israeli military operations.including raids and occupation of additional territory,” Al-Kheethan added.
OHCHR has received reports of civilian casualties, as well as arrests and house searches.
The spokesperson noted that the integration of former armed groups into Syria’s new security forces has so far occurred hastily and without proper human rights investigation.
This is crucial to ensure that perpetrators of serious violations do not enter their ranks and to prevent further violations.
A woman holds the new Syrian flag in front of the UN headquarters in New York.
Accountability essential for Syria transition
“All violations – past and present – must be investigated independently, thoroughly and transparently, and those responsible must be held accountable,” he said.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on authorities to take measures to address the root causes of violations.
He stressed that accountability, justice, peace and security for all Syrians are absolute prerequisites for a successful transition.