Statement by Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides on the reported atrocities committed in Aleppo and need to protect civilians

I am appalled by the increasing number of reported atrocities in Eastern Aleppo against innocent civilians, including women and children, and against those trying to save their lives.

According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), over 80 people have been killed since yesterday, including women and children, as government and pro-government forces advanced in Eastern Aleppo. Further reports of arbitrary detentions, of more than 100 children trapped in a building under heavy attack and more civilians going missing only add to the unfolding tragedy.

If confirmed, these actions would be blatant breaches of international humanitarian law. These heinous acts are a disgrace to humanity. Those responsible must be held accountable.

Protection of civilians must be ensured, as well as that of humanitarian and medical staff and of civilian infrastructures in line with international humanitarian and human rights law. All parties on the ground have to follow this obligation in the name of humanity and accountability.

As Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, I call on the international community to stand united and to spare no effort in protecting the Syrian people caught in this conflict.

We need urgent action and the EU stands ready to support all efforts to alleviate this unprecedented human suffering.

STATEMENT/16/4383