Dear Tracy,
We've just witnessed the worst violence in the year-long conflict in Syria.
On Friday more than 108 people -- including 50 children -- were killed in Houla, Syria after a barrage of shells, mortars, rockets and raids. The global response to this horrifying violence was immediate condemnation -- and at least 10 countries, including the United States, have since expelled Syrian ambassadors and senior Syrian diplomats.
The ruthless killing of civilians in Houla marks a new low in the Syria crisis. But a massive, renewed international spotlight on the country is our best hope to stop the bloodshed.
Let's
press Russia – which has been a key ally to Syria and has blocked
meaningful action in the UN Security Council -- to stand up against the
brutality and prevent further loss of Syrian lives.Over the past 14 months nearly 10,000 Syrians have lost their lives. With each passing day, the crisis reaches new levels of horror. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council has yet to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.
The shocking images that emerged from Syria this weekend are yet one more reason why Russia must stop shielding the Syrian authorities and act to stop the violence there.
Tell the Russian Foreign Minister that we demand better from global leaders.It's easy to despair when seeing what's happened to civilians in Houla and throughout Syria. But a groundswell of public outrage and support could make the difference between dithering diplomacy and decisive action. That's why we need to urge Russia to stop blocking the UN Security Council from referring the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.
The situation in Syria is desperate. The Syrian people are counting on us to seize this opportunity for action. Thank you for coming together to show Syrians they are not alone.
With hope and determination,
Sanjeev Bery
Advocacy Director, Middle East and North Africa
Amnesty International USA
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