The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, issued a strong call for accountability today following reports of at least 13 summary executions and hundreds killed since July 12 in the Druze-majority province of Sweida, southern Syria.
A shorter statement emphasized “unlawful killings, kidnappings and displacement,” describing the actions as grave breaches of human rights.
The violence erupted amid clashes involving government-allied Druze forces and Sunni Bedouin groups, with civilians facing forced evictions and looting during military operations.
In a brief but urgent appeal, Türk warned that interventions by state security must protect—not further endanger—civilians caught in conflict zones.
Short background: this marks one of the deadliest flare-ups in the region this year, with tens of thousands internally displaced and key heritage sites at risk.
International rights groups are urging independent investigations, with pressure mounting on the UN Security Council and European leaders to support humanitarian corridors.
As tensions spread to nearby capital areas, Sweida’s fate may determine whether Syria follows a path toward local stability—or a deeper slide into sectarian violence.
