UNHCR concerned about fighting in northern Syria affecting thousands of vulnerable civilians

Geneva – UNHCR is deeply concerned about the plight of some 165,000 displaced persons reportedly massing near the Syrian town of Azaz in northern Syria.

People have started to flee due to heavy fighting in northern Aleppo. Fleeing civilians are being caught in cross-fire and are facing challenges to access medical services, food, water and safety. 

For the purpose of emergency preparedness, UNHCR has immediately alerted Turkish authorities of developments in northern Syria.

UNHCR calls for the protection of basic rights and the physical security of this population based on international humanitarian law, international refugee law and human rights law as well as safe passage and protection.

For more information on this topic, please contact:

• In Geneva, William Spindler, [email protected], +41 79 217 3011