14 June 2021  Peace and Security

Senior UN officials have condemned a deadly attack on a hospital in Syria this past weekend, underlining the need for accountability for crimes committed in the country’s decade-long war. 

The Al-Shifaa Hospital came under fire amid shelling in the rebel-held northern city of Afrin on Saturday. 
 

At least 18 civilians were killed, according to media reports, including staff and patients at the hospital.  Parts of the faciity were also destroyed.  

Ceasefire needed now 

“Such appalling attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including healthcare facilities and workers, are unacceptable and must cease”, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said in a statement on Monday. 

 “All parties must fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and civilian objects. I also reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for accountability for crimes committed in Syria.” 

The envoy added that the attack, and continuing violence in Syria, again underscores the importance of implementing a nationwide ceasefire, as well as renewed effort toward a political settlement. 

Third attack in two years 

The Al-Shifaa Hospital, one of the largest medical facilities in northern Syria, has been hit three times since 2019, according to two top UN aid officials. 

Imran Riza, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the country, and Muhammad Hadi, Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syrian Crisis, strongly condemned the attack in a joint statement issued on Sunday. 

They said the hospital provides an average of 15,000 medical services each month, including 350 newborn deliveries and 250 specialized surgeries.  It has been receiving financial support from the UN for the past two years.  

“For the people of Syria, already beleaguered by ten years of crisis, health facilities should be safe havens”, their statement said. 

They reiterated that directing attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law. 
 

 

UNICEF/Ashawi

A family arrives in Afrin in northern Aleppo governorate in Syria after escaping conflict in rural Idlib. (file)