Secretary-General Alarmed by Reports of Atrocities against Civilians in Syria

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is alarmed over reports of atrocities against a large number of civilians, including women and children, in recent hours in Aleppo.  While stressing that the United Nations is not able to independently verify these reports, the Secretary-General is conveying his grave concern to the relevant parties.  He has instructed his Special Envoy for Syria to follow up urgently with the parties concerned.

The United Nations underlines the obligation of all parties on the ground to protect civilians and abide by international humanitarian and human rights law.  This is particularly the responsibility of the Syrian Government and its allies.