Secretary-General, Strongly Condemning Use of Force against Civilians

 

in Syria, Calls on Government to Halt Violent Offensive ‘at Once’

The following statement was issued on 31 July by the Spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned over reports from Syria that hundreds of protesters have been killed and injured in Hama and other towns and cities throughout the country.  He strongly condemns the use of force against the civilian population and calls on the Government of Syria to halt this violent offensive at once.

He reiterates to the Syrian authorities their obligation to respect the human rights of the Syrian people, including their freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly, and urges them to listen to the legitimate aspirations of the population.

The Secretary General reminds the Syrian authorities that they are accountable under international human rights law for all acts of violence perpetrated by them against the civilian population.

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For information media • not an official record