A group of human rights organizations called on the international community to address the “horrific” humanitarian situation in Idlib province in northwestern Syria, warning of the threats to the lives of civilians should fighting in the province is resumed.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, the groups said that Idlib is at a serious risk of a major humanitarian crisis if military operations by Russia and the Assad regime forces continue.
The statement pointed to the risks facing civilians in Idlib, namely the indiscriminate bombardment and shelling by the Russian and Assad regime mainly targeting vital infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.
The statement stressed the need for the international community to take swift measures to ensure the commitment of all parties to the ceasefire in Idlib and allow humanitarian access. It called on the Office of the UN Secretary-General to visit the region and the border crossing with Turkey.
The statement urged the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, to announce the findings of the organization’s investigations into the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the systematic targeting of healthcare centers in Syria.
The groups called on international actors to cooperate with the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism and the Commission of Inquiry in gathering evidence of serious violations committed during the recent attacks in Idlib and northwestern Syria so as to seek justice through criminal prosecutions. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
