On 11 March 2025, Geneva witnessed the unveiling of alarming reports regarding escalating violence in Syria, particularly in its coastal regions, since 6 March. Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), revealed that 111 civilians were killed, marking a distressing trend of sectarian violence, primarily targeting the Alawite community. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences where armed individuals raided their homes, arbitrating life or death based on sectarian identity.
The situation worsened with armed groups, reportedly aligned with the former government’s security forces, raiding hospitals in Latakia, Tartus, and Baniyas. These clashes resulted in numerous civilian injuries, including harm to patients and medical personnel while further shattering the healthcare infrastructure. Al-Kheetan detailed that summary executions formed a significant part of the reported violence, impacting entire families indiscriminately.
In the chaos, rampant looting erupted as opportunists seized the moment, leaving many civilians in distress, with some fleeing to safer rural areas or taking refuge in a Russian-controlled airbase. The end of security operations was announced on 10 March, yet sporadic clashes persisted, signalling an unstable environment. Concerns loomed large over the rising tide of hate speech and misinformation that could further divide the already fragile society.
The UN’s Human Rights Office emphasises the urgent need for accountability regarding these heinous acts. An independent investigation committee has been called for to ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the reports. Victims and their families deserve justice, truth, and reparations, a sentiment strongly echoed by High Commissioner Volker Türk. The international community watches closely, as the plight of the Syrian people hangs in delicate balance.
The UN Human Rights Office revealed severe violence occurring in Syria’s coastal regions, with reports of 111 civilian deaths attributed to sectarian violence and summary executions since 6 March. Armed groups have attacked hospitals and civilians, leading to an urgent call for an independent investigation to ensure accountability. The spike in hate speech and misinformation poses a further threat to social unity in the region, with victims seeking truth and justice.
The situation in Syria’s coastal regions remains dire, with alarming reports of sectarian violence, summary executions, and attacks on civilians. The need for an independent investigation is crucial in holding perpetrators accountable. The rising tide of misinformation poses a further risk to social cohesion, making the call for justice and reparations for victims more urgent than ever.
Original Source: media.un.org
