Grant Aid Agencies Immediate Access
Human Rights Watch
"(London) – Syrian government forces and militia fighters are obligated to provide civilians safe passage out of al-Qusayr and surrounding towns. Thousands of civilians have left al-Qusayr since a government offensive began in April 2013. Local opposition activists told Human Rights Watch that recent government attacks on fleeing civilians, including a reported attack on May 31, have made it difficult to escape and put remaining civilians, including many wounded, at great risk.
Human Rights Watch expressed grave concern for the safety of the remaining civilian population as well as wounded and captured fighters on all sides. Concerned governments should press Syrian authorities to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, including not targeting civilians, allowing humanitarian agencies immediate access, and treating humanely all persons in custody.
“Any forces that block civilians from leaving al-Qusayr are committing serious violations of the laws of war,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. “Syrian government forces must not target civilians and need to allow relief aid to get to the population at risk.”......."
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