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Syria: UN refugee agency 'gravely concerned' by attacks on civilians, internally displaced persons

Just Earth News 11 Aug 2016, 05:49 pm Print

Syria: UN refugee agency 'gravely concerned' by attacks on civilians, internally displaced persons

UNICEF

New York, Aug 11 (Just Earth News): The United Nations refugee agency has expressed grave concern at the dire situation of civilians in the Syrian city of Aleppo and at attacks on internally displaced people (IDP) settlements in its Idleb Governorate.

Over the last 10 days, IDP settlements in Idleb have suffered a series of attacks, as have other IDP settlements and civilians elsewhere in the country, resulting in civilian casualties and further displacement, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) noted in press release on Thursday.

“The attacks indicate a shocking disregard for civilian life,” the agency said in the press release, calling for “a durable and sustainable solution to this conflict.”

Drawing attention to the situation in Aleppo city, the agency also urged all parties to the conflict in Syria, “To ensure, first and foremost, the safety and dignity of civilians, including families and vulnerable groups trapped in Aleppo city who are facing constant bombardment, violence, and displacement.”

Underscoring the importance of allowing access to safety, and respect for the civilian and humanitarian character of IDP settlements, UNHCR reiterated its call for ensuring the protection of civilians based on international humanitarian law, international refugee law, and human rights law.