International Action Needed to Curtail Deaths, Long-Term Harm in Populated Areas

Syrian government and Russian forces have escalated their airstrikes on Eastern Ghouta, a suburb approximately 15 kilometers from the center of Syria’s capital Damascus, killing dozens of civilians in apparently unlawful attacks.

New evidence supports the conclusion that Syrian government forces have used nerve agents on at least four occasions in recent months: on April 4, 2017, in a chemical attack on Khan Sheikhoun that killed at least 90 people, and on three other occasions in December 2016 and March 2017.

The Houthi-Saleh forces use of banned antipersonnel landmines in Sanaa, Marib, Taizz and Aden governorates has caused civilian casualties, hindered the return of families displaced by fighting and likely constitutes war crimes.

Excerpt from video by Forensic Architecture, which conducted a separate investigation of the attack. The findings are consistent with those of Human Rights Watch. © 2017 Forensic Architecture

Excerpt from video by Forensic Architecture, which conducted a separate investigation of the attack. The findings are consistent with those of Human Rights Watch. © 2017 Forensic Architecture

The Islamic State (also known as ISIS) executed and dumped the bodies of possibly hundreds of detainees at a site near Mosul.

Syrian government forces conducted coordinated chemical attacks in opposition-controlled parts of Aleppo during the final month of the battle for the city.

The rise of populist leaders in the United States and Europe poses a dangerous threat to basic rights protections while encouraging abuse by autocrats around the world.

The mounting use of incendiary weapons, which cause horrific wounds to civilians, should prompt countries to strengthen the law restricting them.