Child Massacre in Houla

The UN has confirmed that over 90 civilians have been killed in Houla. The dead include 32 children under the age of 10. The killing of these innocent children is a shocking and horrific crime in clear violation of international law, and those responsible must be held accountable.

The attacks were also in complete violation of the Syrian Government’s commitment to cease the use of violence in all its forms, currently being monitored by UNSMIS unarmed military observers.

Syria and the UN now need to ensure that all those responsible for this appalling massacre are brought to justice, and that children and other civilians in Syria are protected from the violence.

Since the protests and uprisings against the Assad regime began in early 2011 the UN estimates that more than 9,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed and tens of thousands displaced. As we have previously written, these numbers continue to include many children, caught up in the violence and repression, and driven from their homes. It is essential that the rights of children throughout Syria are protected, and that no more children are allowed to be casualties of the violence.

The UN statement on the massacre can be found here.