I’m writing this special message to you because the situation in Syria is growing grimmer. You may have heard that Syrian warships and tanks reportedly opened fire earlier this week on Latakia, a port city where government dissent had been on the rise. The international community has let Syria’s government go too far.
If you’ve never taken action for the people of Syria before, then please — I’m imploring you to take action now.
Thank You,
Larry Cox
Executive Director
Amnesty International USA
The UN Security Council has urged Syria’s president to make good on his stated commitment to reform. But what has the Council actually done to stop the widespread abuses being committed in Syria?
Certainly not all it could do.
If the Council was serious about stopping the widespread abuses, then it would demand accountability for the Syrian government’s brutal crimes.
If the Council was serious about stopping the widespread abuses, then it would impose strict measures against Syria, including an arms embargo and freezing the assets of President al-Assad.
Most certainly, if the Council was serious about stopping the widespread abuses, then it would refer the worsening situation to the International Criminal Court. This would be the strongest signal possible that individual perpetrators will face justice and deter future violations.
Some members of the Security Council are getting the message and have begun calling for concrete action. But petty political bickering within the Council has swayed increasingly influential members — South Africa, India and Brazil — to the side of inaction.
What are they waiting for? Urge South Africa, India and Brazil to speak up now to stop the bloodshed in Syria.
Until the Council takes firm action, the people of Syria remain at the mercy of a government that shows no signs of stopping its 5 month-long crackdown on human rights.
Right now, Amnesty is building a powerful case against Syria. The evidence of grave human rights abuses is mounting.
Here is where pressure from supporters like you makes all the difference.
In the coming weeks we’ll be unveiling some new data that we’re confident will cause a stir. This evidence will certainly get people talking, but we need you to help get them moving!
Every message of support counts. Tell the governments of South Africa, India and Brazil that it’s time to get serious about Syria.
In Solidarity,
Christoph Koettl
Campaigner, Crisis Prevention and Response
Amnesty International USA
