UN rights commissioner concerned about humanitarian situation in Syria

The UN Human Rights Commissioner has voiced concern about the humanitarian situation in Syria's Aleppo. 

"We are concerned about the well-being of civilians currently caught up in the fighting in Aleppo. Tens of thousands remain trapped in opposition-controlled areas and are living under constant bombardment," said Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the commissioner, in a press briefing Tuesday.

"Others are at risk while attempting to flee the fighting. Adding to the dangers associated with attempting to flee across an active front-line, we have received reports that opposition groups are preventing civilians from leaving areas under their control.

"There are also concerns that upon reaching Government-controlled or Kurdish-controlled areas, civilians perceived to have links or connections with armed opposition groups may be detained," Shamdasani said.

"We call on all parties to the conflict to adhere to and respect international humanitarian law. Pro-Government and Kurdish Forces must ensure that civilians fleeing the fighting are afforded every protection and are not subjected to acts of retribution due to their perceived support or affiliation to opposition groups," she added.

"We call on armed opposition groups to adhere to their obligation to allow civilians who wish to flee areas under their control to do so. Any measures taken to prevent them from doing so -unless justified by a need to protect the safety of civilians - are prohibited under international law."

Source: MENA