Lelun Afrin
The undersigned organizations warn of the repercussions of the recent military escalation in Northern Syria and call on all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians, end violations, and respect International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
Since November 27, 2024, the terrorist-designated group ‘’Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’’ (HTS), has launched a large-scale offensive codenamed the “Deterrence of Aggression” Battle. The offensive led to HTS swiftly seizing control of Aleppo City and large portions of its countryside. The group also took full control of Idlib City and parts of Hama City following the withdrawal and collapse of Syrian government forces and their allied militias in these areas. This was followed by deadly airstrikes by the Syrian/Russian air forces on hospitals and other civilian targets in Aleppo and Idlib Governorates, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties, both dead and wounded.
Subsequently, on November 30, 2024, the Turkish-backed opposition Syrian National Army (SNA) exploited the dramatic shifts in the frontlines, and launched a military operation dubbed “Dawn of Freedom” in Northern Aleppo and al-Shahba Region, which are under the control of the People Protection Units (YPG). This operation forcibly displaced tens of thousands of Internally Displaced People (IDPs), most of whom are Kurdish residents of Afrin, towards areas in Northeast Syria.
This marked yet another instance of forced displacement for these individuals, who had previously been uprooted in 2018 by the same forces during Turkey’s “Operation Olive Branch”.
A series of crimes and violations against Kurdish civilians, including Yezidis, have been documented at the hands of the attacking forces. These violations include the detention of numerous civilians, acts of murder, looting, assaults on convoys of displaced people, verbal abuse, and mistreatment. Simultaneously, video footage has emerged showing detainees being beaten, alongside other videos featuring unprecedented incitement and hate speech targeting Kurds in Syria.
Reports indicate that a group of civilian returnees was arrested, while others were subjected to humiliation and had their personal belongings stolen during attempts of scores of families to return to their hometown in Afrin Region. Additionally, cases of missing persons were also documented.
The below undersigned Syrian organizations warn that this recent military escalation marks a critical turning point in the Syrian conflict, raising genuine concerns among many Syrian communities, particularly religious and ethnic minorities with a long history of facing violations. There are also concerns among residents of areas outside the government control, which have witnessed airstrikes by Syrian and Russian government forces, resulting in civilian casualties.
We, the organizations undersigned to this statement, therefore, strongly condemn the crimes and violations committed against the civilians by all parties to the conflict and demand the following:
The United Nations Security Council:
1. Issue an urgent resolution to ceasefire and halt military escalations in all conflict zones in Syria.
2. Take practical measures to ensure the protection of civilians, hold perpetrators of violations accountable, and enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid.
United Nations Agencies and International Humanitarian Organizations:
1. Launch an emergency response to meet the basic needs of tens of thousands of displaced persons, including shelter, food, water, and medical care.
2. Ensure the safe and non-discriminatory delivery of humanitarian aid to all affected areas.
3. Support initiatives to enhance food security and address the long-term needs of the displaced persons.
Parties to the Conflict in Syria:
1. Comply with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and protect civilians from both direct and indirect targeting.
2. Cease all military operations resulting in forced displacement and violations against civilians.
3. Allow independent organizations access to affected areas to document violations and assess the needs.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) and the United Nations International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism (IIIM):
1. Conduct a comprehensive, thorough and transparent investigation into the crimes committed in Northern Syria during the recent military escalation and publish a report on them.
2. Collect and analyze evidence related to the crimes committed in Northern Syria, as well as coordinate with international judicial bodies to ensure accountability for the perpetrators.
War Crimes Units in Countries with Laws Allowing Prosecutions Under Universal Jurisdiction Principle:
Expand structural investigations into crimes committed in Syria to include those occurring across Northern Syria by all parties to the conflict.
The signatory organizations, listed in alphabetical order, are: