Syria Marks 14 Years Since Uprising Amid Calls for Peace
Public demonstrations in Syria reflect on the uprising's anniversary for the first time since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
As Syria commemorates the 14th anniversary of its uprising against the government of Bashar al-Assad, the United Nations has called for renewed efforts towards peace.
Public gatherings were planned for Saturday in various cities, including the capital Damascus, where demonstrators are expected to wave the new Syrian flag in Umayyad Square, a site historically associated with support for the Assad regime.
This anniversary marks a significant occasion, occurring for the first time since Assad's ousting in December, as rebel forces advanced towards the capital.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the recent weeks have seen a surge in violence, especially in coastal regions where at least 1,500 civilians, predominantly from the Alawite sect, were reportedly killed since clashes escalated on March 6.
Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, the chairman of the UN Commission on Syria, stated that the recent violence serves as a reminder of the daunting challenges faced by the country.
He emphasized the necessity for a renewed commitment to peace and justice, calling for accountability for all human rights violations committed during the ongoing conflict.
Witnesses have reported on the prevalence of extrajudicial killings amid intense fighting between factions loyal to the former government and those aligned with the new authorities.
Interim President Ahmad Al Shara, who has called for the consolidation of armed groups under a centralized Ministry of Defence, asserted that those responsible for violence will be punished, including members of his coalition.
Recently, he enacted a constitutional declaration outlining a five-year transitional period, a move that has attracted criticism for potentially consolidating his power and inadequately safeguarding minority rights.
The UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, remarked that despite the enduring turmoil, the aspirations of Syrians for justice and dignity remain steadfast.
He has urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and reinforced the importance of civilian protection.
The statements came in light of recent attacks that have led to further humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding the safety of communities historically linked to the Assad regime.
In a related development, public sentiment among the Alawite community has been affected by a series of revenge killings in which dozens were killed in Salhab and other regions.
These actions reflect a broader pattern of violence that underscores the challenges of stabilizing Syria following years of conflict.
Meanwhile, recent incidents concerning unexploded ordnance have also heightened tensions in the region.
An explosion in Latakia resulted in at least 10 fatalities when a scrap dealer mishandled munitions in an attempt to salvage them for metal.
This tragic incident puts a spotlight on the ongoing dangers posed by ordnance remnants from the prolonged civil war, with estimates suggesting that between 100,000 to 300,000 unexploded munitions remain throughout Syria since the conflict began in 2011.
As the anniversary is marked, the situation in Syria remains dynamic, with significant implications for both domestic and international actors involved in its future.
Public gatherings were planned for Saturday in various cities, including the capital Damascus, where demonstrators are expected to wave the new Syrian flag in Umayyad Square, a site historically associated with support for the Assad regime.
This anniversary marks a significant occasion, occurring for the first time since Assad's ousting in December, as rebel forces advanced towards the capital.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the recent weeks have seen a surge in violence, especially in coastal regions where at least 1,500 civilians, predominantly from the Alawite sect, were reportedly killed since clashes escalated on March 6.
Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, the chairman of the UN Commission on Syria, stated that the recent violence serves as a reminder of the daunting challenges faced by the country.
He emphasized the necessity for a renewed commitment to peace and justice, calling for accountability for all human rights violations committed during the ongoing conflict.
Witnesses have reported on the prevalence of extrajudicial killings amid intense fighting between factions loyal to the former government and those aligned with the new authorities.
Interim President Ahmad Al Shara, who has called for the consolidation of armed groups under a centralized Ministry of Defence, asserted that those responsible for violence will be punished, including members of his coalition.
Recently, he enacted a constitutional declaration outlining a five-year transitional period, a move that has attracted criticism for potentially consolidating his power and inadequately safeguarding minority rights.
The UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, remarked that despite the enduring turmoil, the aspirations of Syrians for justice and dignity remain steadfast.
He has urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and reinforced the importance of civilian protection.
The statements came in light of recent attacks that have led to further humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding the safety of communities historically linked to the Assad regime.
In a related development, public sentiment among the Alawite community has been affected by a series of revenge killings in which dozens were killed in Salhab and other regions.
These actions reflect a broader pattern of violence that underscores the challenges of stabilizing Syria following years of conflict.
Meanwhile, recent incidents concerning unexploded ordnance have also heightened tensions in the region.
An explosion in Latakia resulted in at least 10 fatalities when a scrap dealer mishandled munitions in an attempt to salvage them for metal.
This tragic incident puts a spotlight on the ongoing dangers posed by ordnance remnants from the prolonged civil war, with estimates suggesting that between 100,000 to 300,000 unexploded munitions remain throughout Syria since the conflict began in 2011.
As the anniversary is marked, the situation in Syria remains dynamic, with significant implications for both domestic and international actors involved in its future.
