MRG condemns attacks against civilians by Syria's security forces and raises concerns for minorities
| Publisher | Minority Rights Group International |
| Publication Date | 7 March 2012 |
| Cite as | Minority Rights Group International, MRG condemns attacks against civilians by Syria's security forces and raises concerns for minorities, 7 March 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55fbe70a4.html [accessed 25 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to the United Nations, more than 7,500 people have died in the 11 months of protest against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Some of the most severe fighting and loss of life has taken place in the city of Homs, where the Syrian army has been conducting an intense bombardment of opposition positions and civilian areas for nearly a month.
MRG strongly condemns the systematic attacks against civilians by the Syrian security forces, calls on the government to immediately allow safe access for humanitarian aid workers to areas affected by the fighting, and to cease hostilities targeted against civilians and civilian objects.
MRG is extremely concerned about reports of violent attacks against Shi'a, and other minorities by elements of the opposition and draws attention to the plight of Syria's Kurdish and Syriac minority. According to rights groups, Kurds have suffered abductions, killings and increased surveillance from the security forces over the last year, whilst prominent Syriac Christians have been arrested and subjected to torture.
Read the latest news from Syrian Kurdish organisation YASA e.V. and a press statement from the European Syriac Union on MRG's Minority Voices Newsroom.
