The United Nations Security Council adopted a presidential statement on the situation in Syria on Friday, condemning the widespread violence perpetrated in Syria's Latakia and Tartus provinces since March 6 which includes mass killings of civilians, and calling on the interim authorities to protect all Syrians without distinction.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in Britain, reported that nearly 1,500 people, including more than 1,000 civilians, have been killed in the violent escalation in the coastal region since last week.
Unanimously adopting the presidential statement, the Security Council called on all parties to immediately cease all violence and inflammatory activities and ensure the protection of all civilian populations and infrastructure, as well as humanitarian operations. Further, the Council urged all parties and states to ensure full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those affected and the humane treatment of all persons. It also called for a rapid increase of humanitarian support across Syria.
The 15-nation organ called on all states to respect Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity and refrain from any action or interference that may further destabilize the country. It further urged Syria to take decisive measures to address the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, underscoring its obligations under relevant Council resolutions related to counter-terrorism.
Underlining the urgency of inclusive, transparent justice and reconciliation in Syria, the Council called for swift, transparent, independent, impartial and comprehensive investigations to ensure accountability and bring all the perpetrators of violence against civilians to justice.
Furthermore, the Council called for an inclusive political process led and owned by Syrians, facilitated by the UN and based on the principles outlined in the relevant UN resolution. This includes safeguarding the rights of all Syrians — regardless of ethnicity or religion — meeting their legitimate aspirations and enabling them to peacefully, independently and democratically determine their futures, the statement says.
UN Security Council condemns recent violence in Syria, calling on protection of all Syrians without distinction
UN Security Council condemns recent violence in Syria, calling on protection of all Syrians without distinction
UN Security Council condemns recent violence in Syria, calling on protection of all Syrians without distinction
UN Security Council condemns recent violence in Syria, calling on protection of all Syrians without distinction
