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United Nations

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Southern Syria Amid Clashes

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Amid violent clashes in southern Syria's Sweida governorate, a devastating picture of human rights abuses and humanitarian needs is unfolding. The UN human rights office and the UN refugee agency have reported widespread violations, including summary executions, kidnappings, and destruction of private property. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of nearly 2,000 families and the killing of hundreds, with many more injured and struggling to access essential aid.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN human rights office has reported credible evidence of widespread human rights abuses, including summary executions, arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property, and looting of homes in the city of Sweida.
  • The perpetrators of these abuses include members of the security forces, interim authorities, and armed elements from the area, including the Druze and Bedouin.
  • The UN refugee agency has reported that many hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of injured, with some hospitals overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate care.
  • The conflict has resulted in the displacement of nearly 2,000 families, with hundreds killed since sectarian violence erupted on July 12, 2019.
  • The UN humanitarian affairs coordination office has reported that at least 13 people were killed when armed individuals affiliated with the interim authorities deliberately opened fire at a family gathering on July 15, 2019.
  • The UN Assistant Secretary-General has urged all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
  • The UN human rights office has expressed concern about reports of civilian casualties resulting from Israel's airstrikes on Sweida, Dara'a, and central Damascus.
  • The UN refugee agency has reported that the health and aid systems are struggling to keep up with the humanitarian needs, with many displaced individuals in desperate need of essentials such as blankets, jerry cans, and solar lamps.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 2,000 families have been displaced in areas affected by the fighting.
  • Hundreds have been killed since sectarian violence erupted on July 12, 2019.
  • At least 13 people were killed when armed individuals affiliated with the interim authorities deliberately opened fire at a family gathering on July 15, 2019.
  • The UN World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched enough trauma and emergency surgery kits for 1,750 interventions to the area.
  • Many hospitals have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have been injured in the recent fighting, with some hospitals unable to provide adequate care.

Sources:

  • United Nations - Briefing by Ravina Shamdasani, UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson, on the situation in Sweida governorate
  • United Nations - Briefing by William Spindler, UNCHR Spokesperson, on the humanitarian situation in southern Syria
  • United Nations - Statement by UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari to the Security Council on the situation in Sweida governorate
  • United Nations - Report by the UN humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA) on the displacement of nearly 2,000 families in Sweida governorate.

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