Urgent Call to Action: Protecting Civilians in Syria

The U.N. human rights chief urged Syria's interim leaders to prevent mass killings in coastal areas and ensure accountability. He emphasized the need for immediate actions to protect civilians and uphold the law, following the caretaker authorities' pledges of legal adherence.

The United Nations' top human rights official has issued an urgent call to Syria's interim leadership, demanding action to stop reported mass killings in coastal areas and to hold those responsible accountable.

Volker Turk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized the importance of swiftly converting announcements of legal respect into tangible measures to safeguard Syrians.

He urged the authorities to implement all necessary actions to prevent violations and pursue accountability to ensure the protection of civilians.

(With inputs from agencies.)