The U.N.’s human rights office says it is “extremely concerned” about the situation in Syria, and activists’ reports that 850 civilians have been killed are realistic.
A spokesman says the U.N. rights office cannot verify the toll, reportedly ranging from 700 to 850, but the numbers are based on detailed lists.
Rupert Colville told reporters in Geneva on Friday “we believe the numbers are quite likely to be genuine.”
Mr. Colville says the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights is poised to send a high—level fact finding team to Syria as soon as it receives government permission.
The team will investigate allegations that security forces indiscriminately killed and detained civilians in several cities during anti—government protesters.
