Escalating Violence in Suweida Undermines SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Violations of Peace and Justice

A report from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) details a severe deterioration of peace and security in Suweida, Syria, directly contravening the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The findings highlight a critical failure to uphold Target 16.1, which aims to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates.

• Credible reports indicate widespread violations, including summary executions, arbitrary killings, and kidnappings.
• The destruction of private property and looting of homes further destabilize the community, undermining the foundations of a peaceful society.
• Perpetrators reportedly include members of state security forces, individuals affiliated with interim authorities, and other local armed elements, indicating a complex breakdown of institutional control and the rule of law as outlined in SDG 16.

Breakdown of Rule of Law and Access to Justice

The situation reflects a profound challenge to SDG Target 16.3, which promotes the rule of law and ensures equal access to justice. Incidents reported by UN officials underscore the prevalence of extrajudicial actions and a lack of accountability.

1. On July 15, an attack on a family gathering resulted in at least 13 fatalities, executed by armed individuals affiliated with interim authorities.
2. A briefing to the UN Security Council referenced reports of civilians, religious figures, and detainees being subjected to extrajudicial executions and degrading treatment.
3. The UN has issued a call for all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, a fundamental tenet of international humanitarian law and a prerequisite for achieving SDG 16.

Severe Humanitarian Fallout Impeding Multiple Development Goals

Impact on Health, Well-being, and Basic Needs

The conflict has triggered a humanitarian crisis that severely impedes progress on several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed by the influx of injured persons. The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched trauma and emergency surgery kits for 1,750 interventions, but delivery is hampered by access constraints, challenging the capacity to manage health emergencies as per Target 3.d.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Nearly 2,000 families have been displaced, fleeing the fighting at short notice. This mass displacement, coupled with the destruction of homes, directly undermines Target 11.1, which seeks to ensure access to safe and affordable housing.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Water shortages have been reported due to electricity outages, and insecurity prevents residents from purchasing bottled water, creating a critical challenge to ensuring the availability of clean water.

Risks to Civilians and Infrastructure

Attacks within the region pose significant risks to civilian life and essential infrastructure, further setting back development goals.

• OHCHR expressed concern over civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes on Suweida, Dara’a, and Damascus.
• Such attacks are warned to pose great risks to civilians and civilian objects, a direct threat to creating inclusive, safe, and resilient communities under SDG 11.
• The violence has sparked considerable humanitarian needs for essentials like blankets and solar lamps, but insecurity makes delivery too risky.

Coordinated Response and Operational Challenges Highlighting SDG 17

Inter-Agency Verification and Aid Delivery

The crisis response, led by a partnership of UN agencies including OHCHR, UNHCR, OCHA, and WHO, exemplifies the collaborative approach of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). However, this partnership faces significant operational hurdles.

1. Information Integrity: OHCHR is actively working to verify numerous videos and reports circulating, many of which constitute disinformation used to incite further violence. This effort is crucial for an evidence-based response but is challenged by the volatile environment.
2. Access Constraints: The primary obstacle to the humanitarian response is security. Aid and medical supplies are in stock but cannot be delivered, leaving thousands without essential support.
3. Damage to Humanitarian Infrastructure: An attack on July 15 severely damaged a warehouse belonging to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, a key local partner. This destruction of humanitarian assets directly impedes the operational capacity of the partnerships established under SDG 17.

Call for Protection and International Cooperation

In line with the principles of SDG 17, UN officials have issued a strong call for international cooperation and adherence to international law.

• UNHCR has called on all parties to the conflict to respect and protect humanitarian premises, personnel, and assets.
• This appeal underscores the necessity of a secure operational environment for humanitarian partners to address the crisis and work towards the broader Sustainable Development Goals.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

     The article directly addresses this target by reporting on “widespread violations and abuses, including summary executions and arbitrary killings” in Suweida. It notes that “hundreds have reportedly been killed since sectarian violence…erupted on 12 July” and details a specific incident where “at least 13 people were killed.” The call by the UN Assistant Secretary-General to “protect civilians” further underscores the relevance of this target.

   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

     The article highlights a breakdown of the rule of law, stating that perpetrators include “members of the security forces and individuals affiliated with the interim authorities.” The mention of “extrajudicial executions and humiliating and degrading treatment” points to a complete failure of justice systems to protect citizens.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.

     The article indicates a severe strain on health services, stating that “Many hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of injured” and have been “overwhelmed by the number of people who have been injured.” The fact that the World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched trauma kits that “remain undelivered due to access constraints” shows a critical failure in the capacity to manage the health crisis resulting from the violence.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

     This target is relevant due to the mass displacement mentioned. The article reports that “nearly 2,000 families had been displaced from areas affected by the fighting” and that many people “are trying to flee or have fled the area.” The “destruction of private property and looting of homes” directly undermines the right to safe and adequate housing.

   • Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected… caused by disasters… with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.

     The conflict described is a man-made disaster. The article details its impact through “hundreds have reportedly been killed” and “nearly 2,000 families had been displaced.” The focus on civilians, displaced families, and communities like the Druze and Bedouin highlights the impact on vulnerable populations.

4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

     The article explicitly points to a failure in meeting this target by warning of “water shortages due to electricity outages.” It further states that people are “unable to buy bottled water… because of the insecurity,” directly impacting their access to safe drinking water.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Target 16.1: Reduce all forms of violence

   • Indicator 16.1.2 (Conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population): The article provides direct data points that can be used for this indicator, such as “hundreds have reportedly been killed” and “at least 13 people were killed” in a specific incident on July 15. The ongoing effort by OHCHR to verify the death toll is an attempt to establish this indicator accurately.

2. Target 11.1: Access to adequate and safe housing

   • Number of internally displaced persons: The article provides a specific number: “nearly 2,000 families had been displaced.” This serves as a direct indicator of the loss of adequate housing due to the conflict.

3. Target 3.d: Strengthen capacity for health risks

   • Functionality of health facilities and access to medical supplies: The article implies negative progress through qualitative descriptions. Statements like “Many of the hospitals have been overwhelmed” and trauma kits “remain undelivered due to access constraints” serve as indicators of a weakened health system capacity. The delivery of “trauma and emergency surgery kits for 1,750 interventions” is a quantifiable measure of the aid response.

4. Target 6.1: Access to safe drinking water

   • Population access to basic services: The article implies a negative indicator by mentioning “water shortages due to electricity outages” and the inability of people to “buy bottled water.” This indicates a breakdown in the provision of safe drinking water services.

Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.un.org