UN says coastal violence in Syria includes summary killings; urges transparent accountability

The United Nations said it is alarmed by a violent escalation in coastal areas of Syria that has included “widespread summary killings” and the death of at least one UN colleague, the UN spokesperson said.

The spokesperson conveyed remarks attributed to the secretary-general, who called on all parties to protect civilians, stop inflammatory rhetoric and hold perpetrators of violations to account. The secretary-general “takes note” of announcements by the caretaker authorities about creation of an investigative committee and a committee for preservation of civil peace and stressed the urgency of an inclusive and transparent transitional justice and reconciliation process.

Why it matters: the briefing emphasized that transparent investigations and protections for independent media and human rights groups are essential to document violations and support accountability. The UN’s special envoy for Syria, Garib Pedersen, briefed Security Council members in consultations and the spokesperson said the UN stands ready to support efforts toward an inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political transition in accordance with Security Council guidance referenced in the briefing.

The UN also described the humanitarian consequences of the fighting: power outages in Latakia governorate disrupted water pumping; schools in Latakia and Tartus were suspended; humanitarian operations were severely disrupted by insecurity; six referral hospitals and several ambulances were reported affected; and thousands of people were displaced or crossed into Lebanon to seek safety.

The spokesperson urged authorities to allow free media and human rights organizations to carry out independent monitoring and verification so that a clear picture of the events can emerge and those responsible may be held to account.