Syria – Humanitarian situation (1 February 2018)

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France condemns the bombing targeted against a Doctors without Borders hospital as well as a market in the town of Saraqeb on January 29, and against a market in the town of Ariha on January 30. These attacks killed several civilians and destroyed the Doctors without Borders hospital. Like those targeted against Eastern Ghouta on a daily basis and the rest of Idlib Province, these attacks are unacceptable.

Russia and Iran, as guarantors of the Astana process and allies of the Damascus regime, must urgently take the necessary steps to put an end to the bombing and ensure the safe, full and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian assistance to those who need it.

Furthermore, France reiterates its concern with respect to Turkey’s intervention in Afrin. Although this intervention may be justified by Turkey’s legitimate security concerns, it must not exacerbate the humanitarian situation of the Syrian population.

France reaffirms that the attacks deliberately targeted against civilians, as well as health centers and their personnel, are a serious violation of international humanitarian law. UNSCR 2286, the adoption of which we actively supported, calls for the protection of medical facilities and personnel in conflict situations. France calls for close consultation between allies and partners in order to remedy this situation.

Given the continued hostilities on the ground, efforts to find a lasting political solution, negotiated under UN auspices and in accordance with UNSCR 2254, must be continued.

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