Syria: JRS condemns violence against civilians

(Aleppo), 3 May 2016 – Since the conflict in Syria began in 2011, JRS has been on the ground providing emergency relief and support to all its victims. Following the recent escalation of fighting in and around Aleppo, JRS Middle East and North Africa announced they had been forced to suspend operations due to the highly dangerous situtation.

The Jesuit Refugee Service (MENA Region) is unequivocal in condemning every form of violence- and particularly violence on civilian populations. Non-violence, we believe, is the only way for a peace which is sustainable and for the good of all.

The
recent escalation of violence (massive attacks caused by falling shells and
explosives), particularly this past week, in and around Aleppo, has resulted
in severe casualties among civilian population. We are deeply concerned about
this.

Today
(May 3^rd 2016) our colleagues in Aleppo/Syria report:

“The
son of one of our JRS staff members was injured on  his kidney ;his
medical situation is stable now. Mortar
shells fell directly next to JRS distribution center; and on Souk Al Intaj –
Mohafaza next to  the JRS Clinic; besides,
since early hours of morning several  mortar shells fell on Al-Rahman
Mosque next to the JRS kitchen. Areas
where we have our distribution center and for team visits are subject to heavy
and continued shelling.”

Though
none of the JRS works or personnel on duty have, so far, been directly
 affected by this current spate of violence, as a precautionary measure we have
 from today (Tuesday 3^rd May) suspended  immediately all
our activities(distribution centre, clinic, kitchen) in Aleppo and until
further notice.

This
decision has been taken with great regret. The security situation however will
be evaluated on May 4^th 2016.

In the
interest and safety of the civilian population of Aleppo we call upon all
warring factions to halt all hostilities with immediate effect.

We wish
to express our solidarity with all those affected and pray that peace return to
Aleppo and to the whole of Syria at the earliest.

UPDATE: JRS resumed activities in Aleppo on 5 May. A partial, truce was declared mid-day Thursday (5 May 2016) by various warring factions for 48 hours.

–Cedric Prakash, JRS Middle East Advocacy and Communications Officer

Read an interview with Cedric Prakash here

We wish to express our solidarity with all those affected and pray that peace return to Aleppo and to the whole of Syria at the earliest.