Sir, – The most shocking crimes being committed by President Assad and his regime in Syria must be the systematic and widespread detention and torture of children. So horrific and unimaginable are the nature of some of these crimes that if anyone other than the distinguished UN Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay had confirmed they were occurring, the more cynical might have been tempted to dismiss such statements as opposition propaganda.
The idea that anyone in the 21st century could be allowed to systematically detain and torture hundreds of children in very cruel and brutal ways must rank as the ultimate indictment of the international community. However, it continues and nothing is being done to stop it.
Most observers believe that Assad is only playing for time in appearing to support the Annan peace plan, and still the charade is allowed to continue, as crimes against humanity are committed with impunity.
Meanwhile, Ms Pillay has asserted that the UN Security Council has enough reliable information to refer Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and still the Security Council fails to act, with Russia and China effectively acting as protectors for the torturers in Damascus.
At the very least, the Dáil and Seanad should call for Syria’s referral to the ICC and Assad’s arrest for war crimes. – Yours, etc,