Photo credit: news.un.org
Humanitarian Crisis and Ongoing Violence in Syria and Beyond
During a recent press briefing in Geneva, OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan reported that at least 111 fatalities have been confirmed amid the escalating violence in Syria. However, reports suggest that the actual number could be considerably higher, potentially nearing 1,000. This surge in casualties is attributed to security forces aligned with Syria’s Caretaker Authorities who are alleged to have targeted populations in coastal areas historically supportive of former President Bashar Al Assad.
“Numerous documented cases point to acts of summary execution,” Mr. Al-Kheetan remarked to the media. “These actions appear to be motivated by sectarian divisions, occurring in the governorates of Tartus, Latakia, and Hama, allegedly executed by unidentified armed groups allied with the caretaker authorities, as well as remnants from the past regime.”
Eyewitness accounts gathered by the OHCHR reveal a harrowing pattern among the assailants, who reportedly inquired about the sectarian affiliations of residents—whether they were Alawite or Sunni—before choosing to kill or spare them. “Several survivors recounted that many men were murdered in front of their families,” added Mr. Al-Kheetan. He also noted that medical facilities have come under siege, targeting patients, healthcare providers, and medical students alike.
UN Welcomes New Agreement with Kurdish Forces
The United Nations has expressed approval for a recent agreement reached between the Caretaker Authorities in Syria and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This deal, signed on a Monday, outlines the integration of SDF units into Syria’s national army and acknowledges the Kurdish community’s pivotal role within the state framework.
UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, conveyed optimism that this agreement could enhance support for a more comprehensive and inclusive political transition in Syria, in alignment with the foundational principles of Security Council resolution 2254. This resolution emphasizes the need for the establishment of a new constitution and the holding of free and fair elections.
Continued Aid Deliveries Amid Ongoing Violence
On the humanitarian front, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported continued cross-border aid deliveries from Türkiye into northwest Syria. Recently, a convoy of 31 trucks operated by the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) successfully navigated the Bab al-Hawa crossing, delivering over 600 metric tons of emergency supplies, including food and hygiene kits.
Mr. Dujarric emphasized the pressing need for assistance, stating, “This critical aid is essential as we and our partners strive to mobilize support for those affected, particularly the displaced individuals impacted by recent hostilities.”
Duterte Arrested Amid Human Rights Investigations
In the Philippines, former President Rodrigo Duterte has been apprehended in Manila, following a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC is not part of the UN but has established a cooperation agreement with the organization.
The ICC has been delving into Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, a series of operations that the UN rights office condemned during his presidency from 2016 to 2022. One report by the OHCHR documented credible claims of widespread extrajudicial killings and a lack of accountability for such actions.
In Geneva, OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani underscored the importance of tackling impunity and safeguarding victims and witnesses from potential retaliation. She commended the bravery of families seeking justice for those lost in the drug war, highlighting that only four cases have led to convictions thus far.
California Sees Deteriorating Health Conditions in Sudan
Humanitarian agencies operating in North Darfur, Sudan, are raising alarms about the “extremely dire” healthcare conditions plaguing civilians, particularly in the capital El Fasher and in nearby displacement camps. Since clashes broke out nearly two years ago between Sudan’s transitional military government and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and mass displacements.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that over 200 healthcare facilities in El Fasher are non-operational, alongside critical staff shortages and a lack of medical supplies. “Our humanitarian colleagues indicate that ongoing violence continues to displace large populations, placing additional strain on an already fragile healthcare system that barely meets basic health needs,” he noted.
Healthcare System in Crisis
“The escalating insecurity and access issues have severely hampered our partners’ ability to deliver vital medical supplies,” Mr. Dujarric stated. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that more than 70 percent of healthcare facilities in conflict-affected regions are no longer operational, leaving millions without access to medical care. Since the onset of the conflict, WHO has documented nearly 150 attacks on healthcare centers; however, the actual number may be considerably higher.
Source
news.un.org