March 25, 2011
Statement by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe
U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council
On the Violence and Civilian Deaths in Syria
The United States is deeply troubled by violence and civilian deaths in Dara’a at the hands of security forces. We are concerned by the Syrian Government’s use of violence, intimidation and arbitrary arrests in Dara’a to hinder the ability of its people to freely exercise their universal rights. We condemn these actions and extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have been injured or lost their lives. We call on the Syrian Government to exercise restraint and refrain from the threat and/or use of violence against peaceful protestors.
We appreciate High Commissioner Pillay’s recent comments about the current repression and violence in Syria. High Commissioner Pillay called the Syrian Government’s recent actions a “clear violation of international law” and called for “an immediate halt to the excessive use of force against peaceful protestors.”