TRIGGER WARNING: Graphic Descriptions Below Chemical gas is being used on people in Syria - child in Khan Sheikhoun, Syria Dear friends, “Never again”. You have heard these words delivered forcefully by world leaders at some of the lowest points in history. One of those dreadful moments was when poison gas was used during the first World War, and the terrible consequences led to the first international agreement banning poisonous gasses as weapons of war. Today, the production, retention, and transfer of chemical weapons is also firmly prohibited under international law. Yet, it happened again yesterday in Syria. Chemical weapons killed more than 70 people and injured hundreds, including young children. Please help us deliver a powerful message to the United Nations that these deadly attacks on human life must be stopped, and those responsible must be held accountable. The UN Security Council is meeting today in an emergency session. Enforcing the law is their responsibility! Take Action now! Amnesty International is calling on the UN Security Council to take decisive action after this chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun in Syria’s northern province of Idleb. We must not let crimes like this go unpunished. We need caring people like you to help us speak up and demand that leaders fulfill their obligations and protect the most vulnerable. Take Action now! Many of the victims of the attack, which occurred around 6:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday April 4th, appear to have been poisoned as they slept in their beds. Chemical weapons experts working with Amnesty International have confirmed that victims are very likely to have been exposed to a nerve agent, or an organophosphorus compound, such as sarin. Experts do not believe that chlorine gas was used, as in previous chemical attacks in the Syrian conflict. A nurse we interviewed the morning of the attack described the symptoms of those brought to the hospital: “The smell reached us here in the center; it smelled like rotten food. We've received victims of chlorine attacks before – this was completely different. Victims had vomit from the nose and mouth, a dark yellow color, sometimes turning to brown. Paralysis in respiratory functions – children were dying faster than adults because of this. We tried injections … but it just didn't work. Victims were unable to swallow, they were unconscious, completely unresponsive.” Luc, those responsible for this attack must be investigated and prosecuted. The use of chemical attacks in Syria by government forces and armed groups undermines international law, and risks further terrible suffering and deaths of civilians. Take Action now. Margaret Huang Evecutive Director Amnesty International USA | ||
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