Civilian Casualties in Afrin, Syria - Joint Statement

The United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Mr. Imran Riza, and United Nations Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Mr. Kevin Kennedy, strongly condemn the horrific bombing that has reportedly claimed the lives of dozens of civilians in Afrin, northern Syria.

On Tuesday, 28 March, a bomb blast from a fuel tanker exploded in a crowded street in Afrin city. Early reports indicate that several children were among as many as 40 killed in the indiscriminate attack, and at least as many civilians were injured.

Mr. Riza and Mr. Kennedy express their profound condolences to the families of the victims and those affected by today’s attack. After nine years of crisis, civilians living in Syria have already endured suffering and deprivation for far too long.

Mr. Riza and Mr. Kennedy emphasize the obligation upon all parties under International Humanitarian Law to ensure the safety of civilians and civilian facilities. They further urge all parties to heed the calls of the UN Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres and UN Special Envoy for Syria Mr. Geir O. Pedersen for a full ceasefire, as an essential measure to enable communities to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.