Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on the report on Aleppo by the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry

“The latest report by the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic on the battle for Aleppo in autumn 2016 is harrowing.

It documents the brutality and ruthlessness of the Syrian regime and its allies, which deliberately puts civilians at risk by conducting targeted air strikes on schools and hospitals. However, the armed opposition groups were also guilty of serious human rights abuses.

The report by the Commission of Inquiry shows how urgently these severe human rights abuses must end and how important it is that the perpetrators be brought to justice.

This is another reason why it is important that the negotiations in Geneva be continued and that talks on concrete issues begin as soon as possible. Moreover, the situation of the people in Syria must finally significantly improve. Those who support the Syrian regime bear a particular responsibility in this regard.”