January 7, 2026
The events that occurred on 6 and 7 January 2026 in the city of Aleppo, particularly in the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, which are predominantly Kurdish-populated, constitute a serious humanitarian emergency and call for an immediate response from the international community.
According to consistent information from local, international, and independent sources, armed clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces and forces affiliated with the Syrian government, supported by allied armed groups, have resulted in the deaths of civilians, including women and children, caused numerous injuries, and led to the forced displacement of already extremely vulnerable populations. Artillery fire, the use of drones, and bombardments in densely populated areas have been reported, in clear violation of the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution enshrined in international humanitarian law.
Civilian infrastructure has been directly affected, including medical facilities, further aggravating an already critical humanitarian situation due to months of access restrictions, shortages of food and medical supplies, and prolonged cuts to electricity and essential services. Thousands of civilians are now trapped, with no safe exit routes and no guaranteed access to humanitarian assistance.
In light of this alarming situation, we issue an urgent appeal:
To all parties to the conflict, including Syrian government forces, affiliated armed groups, and the Syrian Democratic Forces:
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Immediately cease all hostilities in inhabited areas;
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Ensure the effective protection of civilians and civilian objects;
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Refrain from any indiscriminate attacks and strictly comply with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
To the Syrian transitional authorities:
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Ensure effective control over all forces under their authority or operating with their consent;
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Open safe humanitarian corridors without delay to allow the voluntary evacuation of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid;
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Relaunch, in good faith, an inclusive political dialogue with Kurdish representatives to prevent any further escalation of violence.
To influential international actors, notably France and the United States:
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Use their political and diplomatic influence to demand an immediate de-escalation;
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Actively support mediation efforts and any initiatives aimed at the protection of civilians;
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Support a political settlement in accordance with international law, based on inclusion, the protection of minorities, and respect for human rights.
To the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations:
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Intensify independent monitoring of violations committed in Aleppo;
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Demand unhindered humanitarian access to the affected neighborhoods;
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Consider accountability mechanisms for serious violations of international law.
The population of Aleppo, already scarred by more than a decade of conflict, cannot once again be taken hostage by unresolved political and military rivalries. The protection of civilians is not a political option; it is a legal and moral obligation.
We call on all relevant actors to act immediately to prevent further escalation and a wider humanitarian catastrophe, and to place the lives, dignity, and rights of civilians at the center of all present and future actions.
Zagros Human Rights Center
