Since its outbreak in February 2011, the Syrian Civil War continues its destructive progress. According to the BBC, the United Nations has been able to verify over 350,000 deaths of both civilians and combatants between March 2011 andMarch 2021. However, the true number is widely believed to be much, much higher.
Since its beginning, the war has been characterized by a staggering amount of human rights violations in Syria. While appalling in and of themselves, these abuses and war crimes are all the more disturbing for their ubiquity and the indiscriminateness with which they are committed—civilians, children, journalists, and humanitarian workers have all been affected. Many crimes have and continue to be committed by the Syrian government, and represent violations of international law.
Human Rights Abuses in Syria: A Snapshot
It’s unlikely that the full extent of human rights issues in Syria will ever be known; however, the following list represents a broad overview of known instances of human rights violations, as recorded and reported by Amnesty International:
- direct attacks by government forces on civilians and civilian infrastructure (such as hospitals and residential buildings), including shelling and chlorine attacks
- restriction of civilian access to humanitarian aid by government forces, including blocking the delivery of water, food, medical supplies and treatment, and other essential services
- unlawful detention, torture, and enforced disappearance of refugees, including children
- arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance of peaceful activists, humanitarian workers, lawyers, journalists, and more
- failure on the part of the government to adequately respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting increased risk for displaced persons and lack of adequate medical care
Working Toward a Solution
Although the Syrian Civil War shows no signs of ending in the near future, we can all do our part in helping efforts to address and mitigate the humanitarian crisis that the country is facing. In particular, it’s essential that we support organizations working to deliver aid and fight the forces committing human rights abuses.
Freedom Research Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to spreading freedom and democracy where they are most needed. Founded in 1984, we have over thirty years’ experience in assisting those in need all over the world. Our unique, action-oriented approach focuses on empowering, educating, and fostering connections among allies of freedom, and delegitimizing the efforts of those who don’t. Our current work focuses on addressing the human rights abuses occurring in places such as Syria and Ukraine. Contact us to learn more about what we do, or consider donating to support our work.