August 22, 2013

Today MPAC denounced the use of chemical weapons in Syria and called for the protection of Syrian civilians who are facing this brutal crime against humanity. MPAC joined the Syrian American Medical Society, Syria Relief and Development and Islamic Relief at a press conference in the National Press Club in Washington, DC, to bring attention to this dire situation.

SEE: “U.N., U.S. Call for Urgent Probe of Syria Chemical Attack Claim” (CNN)

“The international community, led by the U.S., needs to step up and protect the civilians, who are needlessly suffering under the harsh conditions of this brutal regime,” said Hoda Elshishtawy, MPAC’s Legislative and Policy Analyst. “Bashar al-Assad has no legitimacy, and any country supporting him is an accomplice to this crime.”

The conflict in Syria has taken more than 100,000 lives and displaced nearly one-third of the Syrian population. The chemical attacks on Tuesday represent the greatest single escalation of the conflict to occur since its beginning more than two years ago. Reports indicate that more than 1,300 died in the attacks, and tens of thousands more are injured. Humanitarian access is blocked to the impacted areas, and physicians and first responders are unable to reach affected areas.

Today, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon dispatched his top disarmament official to Syria to seek permission for U.N. investigators to visit a Damascus suburb where the Syrian opposition claims chemical weapons were used against civilians. France declared that outside powers should respond “with force” if the use of chemical weapons was confirmed.