As reported by UN News, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry of Syria stated that the situation in the country is still dangerous and appalling, and as such it is not safe for refugees to get back. Indeed, the Commission raised several concerns about the recent soar of hostilities across the country, with increasing cases of violence often culminating into violations of human rights and International Humanitarian Law. Against this backdrop, the head of the Commission Paulo Pinheiro highlighted how the ongoing civil conflict mostly affects civilians, as they continue to be exposed to indiscriminate military attacks and to the ensuing humanitarian crisis.

According to the UN sources, at least 243 civilians have been killed in Syria during the last 12 months. Additionally, Professor Pinheiro shed light on the dreadful conditions of thousands of non-Syrian children born to former Islamic State combatants who have been unlawfully interned for years. UN News reports that approximately 40000 minors have been deprived of their liberty in the country, in overt violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Furthermore, the Commission has also underscored how the governmental armies continue to implement severe sieges and blockades which prevent civilians from accessing food, water, electricity supplies and medical products, leading to the starvation of the population.

For these reasons, it is pivotal for the entire international community to keep working in order to make sure the civilian population can benefit from indispensable humanitarian aid. Moreover, the Security Council should take immediate measures to restore peace and security in the country, operating according to Chapter VII of the UN Charter. 

Sources:

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/09/1099882

https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/06/1012632

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/05/1038031

Author: Gianpaolo Mascaro; Editor: Jasmina Saric