Hundreds Dead and Thousands Displaced in Idlib as Peace Talks Fail
Syrian American organizations turn to the international community to stop the slaughter as attacks intensify
WASHINGTON D.C., May 6, 2019 – Syrian American organizations implore the United States government and the international community to stop the slaughter of civilians in Idlib by the Russian and Assad regime forces. Since Wednesday, there has been a surge in air strikes, barrel bomb attacks, and bombings of civilian neighborhoods, including hospitals and schools in Idlib and Hama provinces, resulting in hundreds of civilians killed and tens of thousands displaced.
The coalition of Syrian American organizations explicitly calls on the U.S. government to uphold the statements made by Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIL, James Jeffrey, that “any offensive is to us objectionable as a reckless escalation” and promise that the United States “will shift our positions and use all of our tools to make it clear that we’ll have to find ways to achieve our goals that are less reliant on the goodwill of the Russians.”
The Syrian peace process has not only failed, but has been used to justify slaughter, forced displacement, and crimes against humanity.
- The Assad regime continues summary executions of political detainees en masse, including 100 on Tuesday, reportedly only the first batch of 1,100 executions to take place by early this week;
- Syrian refugees in Lebanon are being forced to return to Syria to face their deaths; and
- The continued atrocities committed by the Assad regime, Russia and Iran have created an environment of chaos, including the birth and growth of terrorist organizations.
No time remains to stop the Syrian genocide; it must end now. Eight years of war has demonstrated that Bashar al-Assad is unwilling to negotiate a peaceful and political solution.
The coalition of Syrian American organizations urges the U.S. and international governments to act immediately outside the United Nations and the defunct political processes to stop the extermination of Idlib and protect its civilians. Further, the coalition demands the international community increase sanctions on Russia and the Assad regime, push for the suspension of the Syrian government under Assad from the United Nations, air drop food to besieged communities, and support civil society and reconstruction in areas outside the regime's control.
The world must act to end the tragedy in Syria; our collective humanity demands it.
As individual organizations, we come together to stand in solidarity with the Syrian people in their persistence in the call for freedom.
Americans for a Free Syria
Citizens for a Secure and Safe America
Free Syria PAC
Kayla’s List PAC
Syrian American Council
Syrian Christians for Peace
Syrian Emergency Task Force
Syrian Forum
Syrian Institute for Progress
The Foundation to Restore Equality and Education in Syria
Media Contact:
Michelle R. Taylor
Syrian American Council
[email protected]
312-919-2124