'Chemical attack' on Syrian rebel enclave

Images of the aftermath of what has been claimed by medical aid groups operating in Douma as a chemical attack on the besieged rebel-held Syrian town cannot fail to horrify. At least 49 people are reported to have been killed in the attack on April 7. Videos published by international media show lifeless bodies of children, women and men, some foaming at the mouth.

Like past reports of alleged chemical attacks on the rebel-controlled enclave, the international reaction has been polarised. The Assad government has denied the latest attack, backed by its allies, Russia and Iran. On the other hand, first-hand reports from the area clearly indicate that an attack has indeed taken place—aid workers in the area have said that the hundreds affected show symptoms consistent with a chemical attack. The images and the accounts that have reached us are horrific, and we stand in strong condemnation of the use of chemical weapons, that too on civilian populations.

Amidst the claims and counterclaims about who did what, clearly independent investigation is crucial. That the attack comes at a time when a possible deal was being brokered by Russia between Assad's government and the rebels means that violence, in all likelihood, will continue.

So, it is imperative that the United Nation acts urgently on the matter. If the allegations of the attack prove true, the perpetrators need to be made accountable. We call on the international community to prioritise the safety and lives of civilians instead of taking sides based on political alliances, not only for the sake of a proper investigation, but to ensure such attacks are not repeated.