Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) monitored the funeral of Syrian civilians in Deir ez-Zor on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, following the tragic deaths of over 45 civilians reported the previous day.

Human rights organizations confirmed that December 9 marked a devastating day in Syria, with numerous casualties.

The organization expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life and injuries, which occurred just after the end of a dark era characterized by severe human rights violations by an oppressive regime. WJWC reaffirmed its solidarity with the Syrian people's legitimate demands and expressed hope that December 8, 2024—the day Bashar al-Assad was ousted after a bloody rule—would herald a new beginning for Syria, founded on respect for human rights. For more, click here.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights documented 46 civilian deaths on December 9 alone, including 17 killed by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and 8 by remnants of al-Assad's forces, while the identities of 21 victims remain unknown.

WJWC emphasized that the SDF bears significant responsibility for the violations that occurred, as their fighters violently confronted civilian protesters in Deir ez-Zor, resulting in four deaths. This escalation of violence in the town led to increased casualties among civilians.

Following an agreement with al-Assad's army, the SDF took control of Deir ez-Zor, which resulted in chaos and the looting of civilian properties, sparking protests demanding the SDF's withdrawal from the province. Additionally, on December 8, SDF forces fired rockets from the village of Qabr Aymo toward the village of Khirfan in Manbij, killing 10 civilians.

WJWC called on the international community and influential actors in the Syrian conflict to intervene immediately to protect civilians and halt attacks on their right to life. The organization urged prompt investigations into all violations of the right to life, including killings and injuries, to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure accountability.

WJWC reiterated its call for international law enforcement and justice institutions to document the Assad regime's violations, striving for justice for thousands of victims who have suffered horrific abuses, including enforced disappearances, torture to death, mass graves, and massacres perpetrated by Assad's forces against civilians since 2011.

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Women Journalists Without Chains

December 11, 2024