UN points to possible crimes against humanity in Syria

“UN officials have said Syrian security forces may have committed crimes against humanity in their crackdown on protesters, as at least eight more civilians were killed in massive protests against President Bashar Al Assad’s rule.

The UN concerns were expressed in a statement late Friday by Francis Deng, special adviser to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations on the prevention of genocide, and Edward Luck, the special adviser on the responsibility to protect.

“Based on available information, the special advisers consider that the scale and gravity of the violations indicate a serious possibility that crimes against humanity may have been committed and continue to be committed in Syria,” the joint statement said.

The two called for an “independent, thorough, and objective investigation” of the events in Syria.

They echoed calls by Mr. Ban to the Syrian government to allow humanitarian access to areas affected by the unrest and to facilitate the visit of the UN Human Rights Council-mandated fact-finding mission to the country.

“Without these steps, it will be very difficult to defuse existing tensions and to prevent the escalation of violence,” they said.”