Syria conflict: UN report denounces 'state policy of extermination'

[webfact]

Syria conflict: UN report denounces 'state policy of extermination'



"There are reasonable grounds to believe that the conduct described amounts to extermination as a crime against humanity"

GENEVA: -- Detainees held by Syria’s government are dying in such massive numbers according to a new UN report probing war crimes in the country that it denounces “a state policy to attack a civilian population”.

While giving no names, investigators point the finger of blame at Syrian officials in the civilian and military hierarchy responsible for or complicit in deaths, torture and disappearances in custody, saying:

“There are reasonable grounds to believe that the conduct described amounts to extermination as a crime against humanity.”

The UN commission of inquiry, presenting its findings on Monday, called on the Security Council to impose “targeted sanctions” on those deemed “criminally liable”.

UN: Syria 'Exterminating' Its Imprisoned Detainees https://t.co/ZgW7GcaPUr pic.twitter.com/bNOHzubDrU

“As the High Commissioner for Human Rights rightfully stated on February 1: ‘In the case of Syria, we are there to remind everyone that where there are allegations that reach the threshold of war crimes, of crimes against humanity, that amnesties are not permissible.”

The independent experts say mass executions and torture of prisoners by the jihadi groups Jabhat al-Nusra and ISIL, the organisation calling itself Islamic State, also constitute war crimes.

The report, “Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Deaths in Detention” covers March 2011 to November 2015. It is based on interviews with 621 survivors and witnesses.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-02-09

[craigt3365]

Assad should be charged with crimes against humanity. What he's done to his people is horrible.

[simple1]

Assad should be charged with crimes against humanity. What he's done to his people is horrible.

Even before the civil war Assad was systematically torturing and killing those held in his prisons, including children of detained family members, for speaking out against his regime; long overdue to formalise charges for crimes against humanity.

[Credo]

No, this can't be true. I've read a lot of posters who think that West has been unfairly treating Assad and that he is really quite a benevolent dictator. Please don't smear this mans good name. I am sure he only has the best interest of the Syrian people at heart.

In the meantime, my sympathies and thoughts are with the thousands, no millions, suffering at the hands of Assad and his allies.

[chilli42]

Assad, ISL, AQ etc they are all war criminals. They are all hell bent on exterminating anyone who opposes them. What about the people who started the war in Iraq? War criminals as well. Until there are decisive victors in these conflicts nothing is going to change. The leadership and will to acheive decisive victory is what is lacking. Filling the media with how bad Assad is accomplishes nothing we don't already know. Is the game plan to replicated proven US success formula from Iraq ... eliminate the government and decimate the military leadership? Win first, retribution later.

[wabothai]

Yes, sanctions that will do, denounce, denounce, that will do.

No problem bombing the palaces of Sadam and get rid of him.

UN you are weak or is Russia and/or China your problem, you have abandoned the Syrian people.

We the people all over the world rely on your protection against evil dictators.

Get rid of this monster Assad and his cronies today.

Edited February 9, 2016 by wabothai

[Pakboong]

Saudi Arabia just beheaded something like 150 last month. Is everyone obligated to the same rules?

[neverdie]

Assad should be charged with crimes against humanity. What he's done to his people is horrible.

Yes he is a bad man and eventually the Americans & other Nato nations will invade Syria. It's only a matter of time now.

This is the build up towards something big.

[neverdie]

Tick tick, tick tock !

[Andreas2]

Saudi Arabia just beheaded something like 150 last month. Is everyone obligated to the same rules?

No, no, the difference is, that Assad is a beheader, whereas the Saudis are moderate beheaders. That's why the government of Saudi Arabia is the friend of Western governments. Big difference!

[Thorgal]

Constitution in Syria doesn't mention the so called policy of extermination...

Even after the latest reforms.

Syrian parliament requires 50% representatives of farmers and workers. Women's rights are advanced compared to some western countries.

Ethnic diversity is all over represented in Syrian Army and his parliament.

How many Syrians are black listed by Interpol ?