New York, NY, February 24, 2018 — Today, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously passed a resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire in Syria.
“The UNSC vote today is a welcome step that could relieve the widespread suffering of Syrians, though the outcome of this vote should not be judged by words alone, but by deeds on the ground,” said Amanda Catanzano, senior policy and advocacy director at the IRC.
“Past efforts at the Security Council failed to stem the violence during the most intense phase of fighting in Aleppo in 2016. Therefore, it is critical that this ceasefire holds—the Security Council must not let the horrors of Aleppo repeat themselves in Eastern Ghouta, Idlib and other parts of Syria under attack.”
Over the last six days, reports of more than 500 people killed and 2,500 wounded prove this is one of the most brutal offensives in a conflict defined by the targeting of civilians. All parties must act immediately to ensure a real cessation of hostilities, immediate and unhindered humanitarian aid to those under siege, and urgent medical evacuations to alleviate civilian suffering in the days and weeks ahead.