Monthly Human Rights Digest: Syria

Overall levels of violence affecting the well-being of civilians in the majority of areas covered by the 4 May 2017 "Memorandum on the Creation of De-escalation Areas in the Syrian Arab Republic" continue to remain low compared to earlier in the year. However, hostilities elsewhere, including in Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor, have had a significant impact on civilians. In Idleb Governorate OHCHR is concerned about the situation of civilians and their ability to enjoy their human rights due to ongoing hostilities. This is further exacerbated by Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s emergence as the dominant force in the Governorate and its ongoing efforts to control key institution such as local councils and civilian infrastructure, such as the water directorate. Furthermore, the explicit exclusion of Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham in de-escalation or ceasefire agreements suggest that a military campaign aimed at destroying the group is highly likely. As with the battle against ISIL, efforts to defeat HTS may negatively affect the situation of civilians.