merrion street

• - Minister’s concerns conveyed in the clearest terms to Russian authorities
• - Ireland continues to provide humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charlie Flanagan TD, has condemned the continued military offensive against the population in Aleppo.

“The excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate use of military force against the besieged population of Aleppo are horrifying violations of international humanitarian law as well as the fundamental human rights of the civilian population.

“My grave concerns have been directly conveyed in the clearest terms to the Russian authorities. I urge Russia to use all its influence in Syria to end these inhumane actions against a defenceless civilian population.

“Ireland has repeatedly called for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court. There have been multiple and credible reports, including by the UN Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry which found evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Syria. The unspeakable suffering of the besieged population in Aleppo underline both the urgency and importance of ensuring accountability for those responsible for these actions.

“I reiterate the core priorities which Ireland has consistently pressed for in Syria: an end to the conflict through a Syrian-owned and Syrian led negotiated political resolution based on the 2012 Geneva principles; the protection of all civilians from military force and terrorism and the unimpeded provision of humanitarian assistance to populations in need and full accountability on behalf of the victims of crimes under international law.

“Ireland continues to provide humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people. By the end of 2016 we will have contributed €62m – our biggest response to a single crisis in recent years.”