A statement from over 35 Syrian, regional and international humanitarian, human rights and development organizations on the Russia-Syrian proposal to establish “humanitarian corridors” out of Aleppo
We are extremely alarmed at Russia and Syria’s joint proposal to set up so-called “humanitarian corridors” out of eastern Aleppo. We consider the proposal deeply flawed on humanitarian grounds and consider it warning for the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) to urgently step up efforts to end the use of brutal siege tactics and illegal attacks on civilians.
A true humanitarian operation would not force the people of Aleppo to choose between fleeing into the arms of their attackers or remaining in a besieged area under continued bombardment. No one should be forced to flee or remain, and measures must be put in place for the UN to ensure and monitor the safety and protection of anyone voluntarily evacuating.
Far from averting a humanitarian catastrophe in Aleppo, we are gravely concerned that the proposal for “humanitarian corridors” forewarns of a significant risk to civilians who remain. A ‘safe passage’ offer does not mean that those who stay behind become legitimate military targets. The city cannot be allowed to become another theatre for mass slaughter.
If Russia is serious about averting a humanitarian disaster in Aleppo it should strongly support the UN’s call for an immediate weekly 48-hour humanitarian pause to ensure safe, unimpeded and immediate humanitarian access – both for aid to get into Aleppo and for civilians to leave voluntarily. As long as the bombing, shelling and fighting continues, and in the absence of any genuine confidence-building measures, civilians cannot be expected to trust in the safety of walking through these proposed corridors. All efforts of the ISSG must focus on pushing for a sustained ceasefire, and for an immediate end to the shameless and unacceptable attacks on hospitals and civilian targets.
Signed:
ASML
AWO International
BINAA
Bridge of Peace
The Council for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU)
CARE International
CCFD-Terre Solidaire
Christian Aid
Doctors of the World UK
EuroMed Rights (EMHRN)
Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
GOAL
Hand in Hand for Syria
Human Appeal International
Human Rights and Democracy Media Center “SHASM” /Palestine
Islamic Relief USA
Karam Foundation
Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies
NuDay Syria
Oxfam
Physicians for Human Rights
Refugees International
Relief & Reconciliation for Syria
Relief International
Rethink Rebuild Society
Save the Children
STAND: The Student-led Movement to End Mass Atrocities
Stichting Vluchteling
Syria Relief
Syria Relief and Development
Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS)
Tearfund
The International Rescue Committee
The Syria Campaign
Trocaire
Vision GRAM-International
WATAN
WILPF
World Vision
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