‘Syrians deserve a future rooted in justice and dignity, yet communities once again are being forced to endure unimaginable loss’ - Heba Morayef

Responding to reports of hundreds of civilians, mostly from the Alawite minority, being killed in Syria’s coastal areas, Heba Morayef, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Director, said:

“The horrific images emerging of bodies lying in the streets and grieving families mourning their loved ones are a grim reminder of the past cycles of atrocities Syrians have endured. Syrians deserve a future rooted in justice and dignity, yet communities once again are being forced to endure unimaginable loss.                 

“The authorities must act swiftly to ensure that civilians are protected in any ongoing or future fighting and to prevent further unlawful killings and other violations.

“The government of Syria has an obligation to uphold the human rights of all those living in Syria. The authorities must take clear action to strictly uphold the equal rights of all Syrians, including by ensuring that no person or group is targeted on the basis of perceived political affiliation.

“While the government has announced an independent fact-finding and investigation committee and pledged to refer those responsible for crimes to the judiciary, it is crucial that this process is fully transparent and conducted in line with international standards.

“The authorities should also grant independent national and international investigators access to Syria, including to Syria’s coastal areas, so that they can conduct their own fact-finding work.

“The failure to act decisively and conduct independent, impartial and effective investigations and ensure perpetrators of crimes are brought to justice will only embolden those who believe they can kill with impunity.

“These horrific events once again underscore the urgent need for comprehensive steps by Syrian authorities to ensure truth, justice and reparation for all victims of grave violations in Syria. Ultimately, the delivery of truth, justice and reparation is meant to both remedy harms caused to victims and to ensure that never again really means never again.”