Razed to the Ground: Syria’s Unlawful Neighborhood Demolitions in 2012-2013

Abstract

This 48-page report documents cases of large-scale demolitions across the cities of Damascus and Hama considered unlawful. The report concludes that these demolitions violated the laws of war either because they served no necessary military purpose and appeared intended to punish the civilian population, or because they caused disproportionate harm to civilians. The report then calls for the investigation of those demolitions and to hold accountable those responsible for the wanton destruction of civilian property or for imposing collective punishment assimilated to war crimes.

Title: Razed to the Ground: Syria’s Unlawful Neighborhood Demolitions in 2012-2013
Author: Human Rights Watch (HRW)
Published by: Human Rights Watch (HRW)
Date: January 2014
Read: Here.