Press Statement

Salem Al Meslet

Syrian Coalition Spokesperson

May 05, 2015

Following the release of an Amnesty International report entitled: “‘Death everywhere’ - war crimes and human rights abuses in Aleppo, Syria,” Spokesperson of the Syrian Coalition said:

“The research conducted by Amnesty International is further evidence that the civilian population is bearing the brunt of the conflict. It serves, therefore, as a reminder of how the international community’s failure to implement effective practical measures geared towards the protection of noncombatants is encouraging perpetrators of war crimes to commit systematic abuses against the civilian population in Syria.

“The report also shows how the Assad regime continues to deploy a state policy of attacking civilian targets including schools, public markets, building blocks, transportation facilities, mosques and hospitals. The deliberate targeting of residential areas amounts to crimes against humanity and is part of a strategy aimed to punish the civilian population for rising against Assad’s tyranny, and to prevent attempts at governance in opposition-held areas.

“Civilians in Syria do not only live in constant fear of bombardment, but they suffer arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearance, as documented by the Amnesty International report. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are also denied vital humanitarian aid, as Assad’s militias continue to block aid access. As the report describes, Assad’s forces target the main road humanitarian workers use to deliver assistance to Aleppo residents.

“The majority of casualties in Aleppo are caused by barrel bombs, which are mainly delivered from helicopters. The establishment of a no-fly zone in Northern Syria is currently the most efficient solution to stop Assad’s atrocities inflicted from the air, including use of the infamous barrel bombs, continued systematic destruction of infrastructure and chlorine gas attacks. Such a step will also allow for more space to operate on the ground to try and build the conditions needed for governance, one the main pillars of countering extremism. It will also make possible the return of refugees to help in this process, which in turn will deflect pressure on neighbouring host countries.”