UN human rights report shows Assad root cause of Syrian suffering

Press Release

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

March 5, 2014

The latest UN Commission of Inquiry report shows that the actions and policies of the Assad regime lie behind the suffering of millions of ordinary Syrian men, women and children. The report is the latest in a series of independent assessments by international organisations that have shown the regime is deliberately causing innocent civilians to suffer.

As is clear from this latest report and others before it, the regime is following a policy of “starvation until submission”. The coalition therefore feels it is vital to implement - by force if necessary - UN Resolution 2139, which calls on all parties to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The regime has shown no intention of implementing the resolution. The opposition, on the other hand, stands ready to ensure all those in need in its areas receive assistance.

The Syrian Coalition commends the work of the commission and condemns unreservedly any actions that threaten the rights of individuals regardless of their religious beliefs of ethnic backgrounds.

The report pays critical attention to the distinction between Syria’s mainstream opposition movement and extremists - who are exploiting conditions created by the regime. The Syrian opposition is actively engaged in military operations against extremists. The coalition, like the society it represents, is committed wholeheartedly to preserving Syria’s diversity.