March Syrian Sectarian Violence May Constitute ‘War Crimes

Both sides in Syria’s March sectarian clashes—interim government forces and Assad-aligned Alawites—are accused of committing ‘inhumane acts’, according to the United Nations.

The sudden wave of sectarian violence in Syria’s coastal area just five months ago, saw 1,400 people (mainly civilians) killed.

With the Assad regime overthrown in December 2024, Ahmed Al-Shaara emerged as Syria’s new hope for political and social stability. Assad had relied on a divide-and-conquer strategy, which elevated the minority Alawite sect, to which he belonged, in both social and political power. His removal allowed previously marginalized Syrian communities to reassert themselves, targeting Alawite loyalists.

What transpired after is what UN Syria Commission of Inquiry, Chair Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, described as, “deeply disturbing.”

Using more than 200 interviews and visits to mass grave sites, the UN team documented torture, killings, and other inhumane acts.

Pinheiro contended, “Bodies were left in the streets for days, with families prevented from conducting burials in accordance with religious rites, while others were buried in mass graves without proper documentation.”

The assessment despite still ongoing held, “The violations included acts that likely amount to war crimes.”

In response to the credible assessments of human rights violation the investigation raised, UN Spokesperson for the Secretary General, Stéphane Dujarric, stated, “It is the responsibility of the government in Damascus to make sure all Syrians feel safe regardless of ethnicity or religion.”