Protests began in Syria on 16 March 2011 as part of the wave of pro-democracy demonstrations across the Middle East. Syrian authorities, including State Security and military forces, have been systematically using excessive force, including live ammunition, to try to disperse and ultimately repress protesters. The Syrian authorities are using snipers in civilian clothing to target protestors - two 17-year-old boys were killed in Duma as a result of lethal sniper rounds.

Alkarama fears are that the systematic and on-going repression of protests by the Syrian authorities will only result in more deaths, particularly as these extra-judicial executions continue despite calls from the international community for the Syrian authorities to show restraint.

On 5 April 2011 Alkarama submitted a follow-up report to the UN Special Rapporteur on Extra-Judicial, Summary and Arbitrary Executions regarding 70 confirmed deaths in addition to the 58 previous deaths. Alkarama has asked the Special Rapporteur to intervene with the Syrian authorities in order that they understand and comply with their obligations under international human rights law and take the necessary steps to prevent any further killings of peaceful protestors.

Alkarama calls on the Syrian government and its security forces to exercise restraint in view of the protests, and respect their international and national obligations, including the absolute right to life and the freedom of opinion and expression.