UN says death toll in Syria exceeds 3,000, including 187 children

UN says death toll in Syria exceeds 3,000, including 187 children

2011-10-15 06:41:19 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll in Syria has risen to more than 3,000 since pro-democracy protests began earlier this year, the United Nations human rights office reported on Friday. Nearly 200 children are among those killed.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, expressed deep dismay at the worsening human rights situation in Syria, saying that she's been drawing attention to 'credible allegations' of crimes against humanity since August. At that time, she recommended to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"Since the start of the uprising in Syria, the Government has consistently used excessive force to crush peaceful protests," Pillay said. "Sniping from rooftops, and indiscriminate use of force against peaceful protesters - including the use of live ammunition and the shelling of residential neighborhoods - have become routine occurrences in many Syrian cities."

As a result, more than 3,000 people have now been killed during the uprising, including at least 187 children, according to UN figures. The UN also said that more than 100 people have been reported killed in the last 10 days alone.

Pillay also urged the international community to take immediate measures to protect the Syrian people, warning that the "ruthless repression" could drive Syria into a full-blown civil war.

"The onus is on all members of the international community to take protective action," Pillay said. "At stake are the universal rights to life, liberty and security of person which must never be brushed aside in the interests of realpolitik. The international community must speak with one voice and act to protect the Syrian people."

Earlier this month, the UN Security Council failed to adopt a draft resolution which strongly condemned Syrian authorities for their crackdown after Russia and China exercised their vetoes. Representatives of both countries defended their decision, saying that the draft text would exacerbate tensions rather than lead to a resolution of the crisis.

The UN Human Rights Council has ordered an inquiry into the violence after an earlier UN fact-finding mission outlined a litany of Government abuses, including murders, enforced disappearances and acts of torture. Three experts have been appointed to carry out the probe.

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