Syrian groups: Russia involved in 'war crimes' in Syria
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 December 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Syrian groups: Russia involved in 'war crimes' in Syria, 16 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a3601f.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 16, 2016
Syrian pro-government forces patrol a district of Aleppo earlier this week.
Four Syrian organizations have accused Russia of committing or being complicit in war crimes in Syria, saying Russian air strikes in the Aleppo area had killed 1,207 civilians, including 380 children.
In a letter to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria the groups listed 304 alleged attacks carried out in Aleppo primarily between July and December.
The letter – obtained by news agencies on December 15 – says "evidence clearly indicates that Russia has committed or been complicit in war crimes in Syria."
The letter is signed by the Syrian Civil Defense search-and-rescue group, also known as the White Helmets, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the Independent Doctors Association, and the Violations Documentation Center.
In the letter, the groups offered to provide the UN commission with evidence and other information to assist its investigations "and help the identification of suspected perpetrators."
There were no immediate reactions from the Russian UN mission. Moscow has said it stopped air strikes in Aleppo in mid-October.
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
