Syria: UN investigators call for protecting evidence amid worsening humanitarian crisis
2024-12-23 | GENEVA
UN investigators on Friday called for the protection of evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria as the humanitarian crisis worsens, with millions of people facing hunger and displacement.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria (IICI) said in a statement that it had documented “alarming patterns” of human rights violations in the country, including arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, and sexual violence.
“The systematic destruction of evidence, including the burning of detention facilities and the removal of bodies from mass graves, is a clear attempt to conceal the truth about the atrocities that have been committed in Syria,” said Paulo Pinheiro, chair of the IICI.
The commission called on all parties to the conflict to cooperate with its investigations and to ensure that evidence of human rights violations is preserved. It also urged the international community to support efforts to gather and preserve evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria.
The IICI’s statement comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Syria. The UN estimates that 13.4 million people in Syria are in need of humanitarian assistance, and that 6.5 million people have been displaced from their homes.
The humanitarian crisis in Syria has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused widespread economic disruption and has made it more difficult for people to access healthcare and other essential services.
The IICI called on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and to allow humanitarian aid to reach all those in need. The commission also urged the international community to provide more funding for humanitarian assistance in Syria.
“The people of Syria have suffered enough,” said Pinheiro. “It is time for the world to unite to end this conflict and to ensure that those responsible for the atrocities that have been committed are held accountable.”
Syria: UN investigators call for protecting evidence amid worsening humanitarian crisis
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Humanitarian Aid a new article on 2024-12-23 12:00 titled “Syria: UN investigators call for protecting evidence amid worsening humanitarian crisis”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
5