UN calls on Assad regime to protect civilians

The UN Human Rights Commission on Tuesday called on Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime to protect civilians from terrorist attacks and build trust among the local community.

In a statement, the commission also condemned recent attacks by Daesh in the southwestern Syrian district of As-Sweida.

“The Government of Syria has a duty to take action to prevent violent acts that may endanger the lives and well-being of civilians.”

The UN urged the regime to take into account those who committed the crime against humanity.

“We are also concerned that the situation in As-Sweida may worsen, particularly if the local communities do not trust the government to protect them or defend their rights,” the statement added.

Syria has only just begun to emerge from a devastating conflict that began in 2011, when the ruling Assad regime cracked down on demonstrators with unexpected ferocity.