City of Geneva called for an immediate halt to the Turkish army's offensive in the Afrin canton in northeastern Syria, voicing concerns about the non-respect of the fundamental principles of the Geneva Conventions over the aerial bombardments of Turkey.
Another reaction against the Turkish state’s operation on Afrin Canton of Northern Syria came from the City of Geneva.
A statement made on the official website of the city said the following;
“The City of Geneva is very concerned about the non-respect of the fundamental principles of the Geneva Conventions since the aerial bombardments carried out by the Turkish army, in particular against the Rubar refugee camp, which began on January 20, 2018.
In the Afrin canton, located in the Rojava region of Syria, the population has doubled in five years of conflict to 400,000 people under the influence of refugees.
Humanitarian assistance has been provided by local organizations and very little international aid has been able to reach this relatively safe and stable region, which is very vulnerable to conflict. Since 20 January 2018, the Turkish army has been bombing the center of Afrin city and the districts of Cindirêsê, Reco, Shera, Shêrawa and Mabeta, as well as the Rubar refugee camp which is home to nearly 20'000 internally displaced persons.
Until Monday, January 22, 26 civilians were killed, according to local authorities on the spot. In the face of these violations of the Geneva Conventions, the City of Geneva calls for an immediate halt to the Turkish army's offensive in the Afrin canton in northeastern Syria.
The City of Geneva also recalls that respect for the principles of the Geneva Convention is a priority for the international community and all parties to the Conventions, including Turkey.
They are required to protect the lives of civilians, to ensure the free organization of the areas to treat the wounded and to ensure the free passage of humanitarian aid.”
