Attachments
The Syria NGO Forum (SNGOF) urgently calls on all parties to the conflict across east Syria to immediately de-escalate hostilities and uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian Law (IHL). As violence has intensified on multiple fronts since 17 January, the protection of civilians must remain paramount and non‑negotiable. Syria has already endured over 14 years of conflict. With approximately 13,000 individuals reported to be displaced due to this wave of conflict, the widening operations risk exacerbating existing conflict risks, and triggering new waves of displacement, often into areas already heavily contaminated by explosive ordnance (EO); straining already overwhelmed humanitarian systems and civil services and exposing communities to heightened protection risks. Renewed military operations have sharply expanded beyond Aleppo, armed confrontations have crossed multiple governorates with current reports of heavy fighting around Hasakeh.
The SNGOF is deeply concerned that:
● Civilian communities remain dangerously proximate to shifting conflict lines. ● Civilian communities are at risk of displacement. ● Essential civilian infrastructure (including hospitals, health centers, schools, water stations, and power systems) faces renewed exposure to attack or military use.
Urgent humanitarian aid must be provided immediately to affected and displaced communities in the face of the crisis. Amid the ongoing crisis, all actors must urgently prioritise the protection of vulnerable individuals from protection risks and safeguard their rights, dignity and access to essential services. SNGOF reminds all parties of their binding obligations; that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under IHL. We urge strict compliance with these obligations, including:
● Protection of civilians and civilian objects at all times. ● Safeguarding essential services and humanitarian access, ensuring continuity of life-saving assistance. ● Avoiding indiscriminate attacks, upholding the principles of proportionality and distinction.
The SNGOF calls for immediate de-escalation, permanent ceasefire, and urgent measures to ensure safe passage of displaced individuals, including clear communication on active conflict areas, risk‑mitigation messaging, and freedom of movement for humanitarian assistance. Renewed hostilities will deepen community suffering, reverse fragile recovery gains, and undermine prospects for stability and recovery that still remain within reach.
The SNGOF is a coordination, representation, and advocacy platform for 178 national and international NGOs, networks, and observers delivering humanitarian and development assistance, across all governorates of Syria.