The United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide has released a statement warning of a risk of growing sectarian violence in Syria, as violence continues in the country.

In a statement expressing concern that religious or ethnic groups may be increasingly targeted, Adama Dieng said,

“I am deeply concerned that entire communities risk paying the price for crimes committed by the Syrian Government,”

“As the situation in Syria deteriorates further, there is a growing risk that civilian communities, including Alawite and other minorities perceived to be associated with the Government, its security forces, militias and allies could be subject to large scale reprisal attacks,”

"I urge all parties to the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law, which prohibits the targeting of individuals or groups based on religious or ethnic identity as well as attacks against civilians not taking direct part in hostilities."

"I also reiterate the calls of the international community for the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court and stress the importance of taking steps now to facilitate future transitional justice processes in Syria to reduce the risk of retribution, promote reconciliation and provide all communities with a sense of justice and dignity."

See the full statement here.