(AhlulBayt News Agency) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday that he "profoundly regrets that resolution 2401, concerning the cessation of hostilities throughout Syria, has not been implemented."
The UN chief said in a statement that he is "deeply concerned by the desperation shown by the people fleeing in a massive exodus from Eastern Ghouta and Afrin."
"I urge all parties to the conflict to fully respect international humanitarian and human rights law and guarantee the protection of civilians," he said, noting that "any evacuation of civilians must be safe, voluntary, and in strict accordance with protection standards under international humanitarian and human rights law."
"It is also imperative that all those displaced are allowed to return voluntarily, in safety and in dignity, to their homes as soon as the situation allows it. I call on the Security Council to stand united and take concrete steps to urgently end this tragedy," he added.
The United Nations and its partners are fully mobilized to bring immediate life-saving relief to all those in need, the secretary-general said. "I call on all parties to ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access in all areas."
"The reality on the ground across Syria demands swift action to protect civilians, alleviate suffering, prevent further instability, address the root causes of the conflict and forge, at long last, a durable political solution in line with resolution 2254," said the UN chief.
The UN Security Council on Feb. 24 unanimously adopted resolution 2401 demanding a cease-fire of at least 30 days across Syria that would allow humanitarian access and urgent medical evacuations.
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17 March 2018 - 13:57
News ID: 886047
The UN chief said in a statement that he is "deeply concerned by the desperation shown by the people fleeing in a massive exodus from Eastern Ghouta and Afrin."
