Security forces launched new attacks this weekend on the Syrian cities of Hama, Dair Alzour, and Bukamal in southern Dara province. Tanks rolled into town before dawn, firing rounds of shells and gunfire into the body-littered streets. In the past two days, at least 75 civilians have been killed in this region alone, including children as young as five.
Since mid-March, President Bashar al-Assad has been taking a hardline approach against those calling for his resignation, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,600 civilians. According to human rights group Avaaz.org, his regime has orchestrated the arrests of roughly 26,000 protesters.
Urge the leaders of the UN to pressure the Syrian government to stop inflicting such horrendous levels of violence on its own civilians.
Dear Mr. Hague and Ms.Clinton:
I am writing to show my support for a new United Nations (UN) resolution to condemn what is happening in Syria, and to encourage Ms. Clinton and Mr. Williams to continue to use the whatever diplomatic means available to them to pressure President Bashar al-Assad to stop the violent assault against his own people.
As you are aware, President Assad has launched fresh attacks against civilian protesters this weekend in Hama and other Syrian cities. Residents report that bodies are lying in the streets following rounds of shelling and gunfire. Tanks fire indescriminantly at homes in residential neighborhoods. Even more heinously, security forces are restricting access to hospitals for injured civilians, and preventing them from burying the dead.
All of this comes at the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a time for fasting and reflection that started on Sunday. In an effort to keep people from gathering publicly, shelling and gunfire greeted those who attempted to head to the mosques for dawn prayers on Sunday, with at least four killed in Hama.
The international community is uniting against Syria. There needs to be a UN resolution to condemn such horrific violence. This measure needs to be backed up by more sanctions against the regime, an indictment from the International Criminal Court, and a Security Council statement that declares President Assad's rule illegitimate.
Thank you for your efforts to help the Syrian people who are fighting and dying for freedom.
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
