UN report cites crimes against humanity in Syria

Mass killings of civilians are still in place in Syria, where the war turned into a deadly sectarian strife with the participation of foreign militants and extremist groups. All signs are that crimes against humanity are being committed in Syria, according to a report released on Tuesday by a UN panel of experts, appointed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The report quoted hundreds of eyewitnesses as saying that the crimes are being committed by both parties to the conflict. No distinction between civilians and militants is made as government troops launch strikes on cities’ neighborhoods seized by rebels. UN experts referred to the facts of total destruction by government troops of the entire residential quarters.

Taking control of the territory, militants in turn carry out killings, make voluntary arrests, seize hostages and use torture. The actions of militants can be seen as war crimes that are being committed against the backdrop of the escalation of inter-ethnic and inter-confessional standoffs that are supported by outside forces, says Moscow-based Middle East expert Boris Dolgov.

The UN report aims to help hammer out the UN Security Council’s common stance on the resolution of the Syrian crisis as soon as possible.