Dear friend,

Have you heard what’s happening in Syria?

Recently we’ve been documenting the situation on Syria’s streets, from Damascus to Homs. And what we’ve heard isn’t just shocking; we think the methods used by Syrian forces to crush anti-government protests amount to crimes against humanity [1].

Right now, a UN resolution is on the table to bring those responsible for the bloodshed to account. So far 9 out of 15 countries support it - and if we can get influential ministers from Brazil, India and South Africa on board, it could tip the balance and get the resolution passed.

Let’s raise our voices and claim justice for the Syrian people! Click here to hold the Syrian authorities accountable for their brutal actions.

The uprising in Syria since March has left more than 1,400 dead and hundreds injured. In recent weeks, we’ve spoken to more than 50 witnesses that paint a deeply disturbing picture: tanks, snipers and torture are being used systematically to silence protestors and disperse crowds.

In the border town of Tell Kalakh, residents have spoken of soldiers firing on fleeing families and rounding up scores of people, including elderly men and young boys. What’s more, Syria’s security forces are now reportedly receiving ‘shoot to kill’ orders from their superiors [2].

We’ve heard first hand what’s happening in Syria, and we now need the international community to speak out: click here to stand with the Syrian people

Despite President Bashar al-Assad’s talk of reform, there is little evidence that the Syrian authorities will respond to anything but concrete international measures by the UN Security Council condemning their actions. The global community wants to act, but we’re just a few countries away from getting there: send your emails in one, easy click to ministers from Brazil, South Africa and India.

We are living in troubling times . The Syrian government has seen what’s happened overseas - in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya - and are doing everything they can to retain power. Together, let’s rally again for Syria’s people who are still out in the streets fighting defiantly for their freedom: please take action now.

With hope,

Andrew Beswick
Campaigns Director
Amnesty International Australia

PS. Since we last contacted you on Syria in May, we’ve presented over 165,000 of your signatures to key decision makers demanding that they act to stop the bloodshed. Watch a video of the petition presentation here.

[1] Amnesty calls for action over Syria, SBS News, 6 July 2011.

[2] Syrian forces 'ordered to shoot to kill', Al Jazeera, 9 July 2011.