The undersigned organizations express their deep concern over the renewed wave of violence affecting civilians in the city of Aleppo. Once again, civilians are bearing the heaviest burden of hostilities and political deadlock among multiple parties in Syria, placing their lives, dignity, and fundamental rights at serious risk. This renewed violence undermines social cohesion and erodes prospects for building a safe, free, and inclusive Syria for all Syrians.
The undersigned organizations recall that all parties to the conflict are bound under international law to protect civilians and to refrain from launching indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks that may cause harm to civilians or civilian objects. In this context, the organizations call on the Syrian Transitional Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces to immediately cease any military or security actions that violate these obligations, and to take all possible measures to prevent harm to civilians. Protecting civilians is not optional; it is a legal obligation under international law and a fundamental prerequisite for any serious path toward justice and sustainable peace, as well as for any effort to build a new Syria.
The organizations urge the Syrian Transitional Government in particular, following its announcement of military operations in certain neighborhoods, to halt any current or future military actions in densely populated areas whenever such actions risk being indiscriminate or endangering civilians. In this regard, we emphasize that the Syrian Transitional Government bears an enhanced responsibility to ensure the protection of all Syrian citizens, and must refrain from carrying out any military action if adequate guarantees for civilian protection cannot be ensured. Facilitating civilian passage does not replace the obligation to protect civilians, especially in situations where time constraints, population density, or displacement conditions do not ensure safety from violence.
The undersigned organizations also express grave concern regarding the humanitarian conditions facing families displaced from areas experiencing clashes, as well as those still trapped within them, amid the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian response. The organizations call on humanitarian actors to respond to the needs of those affected, including the provision of shelter, essential relief items, and life-saving assistance, enabling them to withstand harsh weather conditions until hostilities cease and they are able to return to their areas. The organizations further stress the necessity for all parties to ensure the protection of displaced families from any violence, collective punishment, or discrimination in the areas to which they have fled. Taking comprehensive and swift measures to document violations is also essential to ensure accountability.
The undersigned organizations warn of the risk of escalating social polarization accompanying this violence, as witnessed in previous events, and recall the responsibility of media outlets and public actors to adhere to objectivity and professionalism in reporting, and to refrain from hate speech, incitement, or any practices that may lead to violence or discrimination. Media coverage and public discourse must not contribute to further harm, stigmatization, or escalation. Accordingly, the organizations affirm that the primary responsibility lies with the government to prevent and combat hate speech and incitement, through adopting the necessary legal and institutional measures to criminalize such acts and hold perpetrators accountable.
In conclusion, we call on the Syrian Transitional Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces to draw lessons from the waves of violence witnessed in Syria in 2025, and to take serious steps to strengthen preventive measures and ensure the protection of all Syrians from collective targeting, while demonstrating a tangible commitment to building a free and safe Syria for all through dialogue and peaceful negotiation. The protection of civilians across Aleppo must remain at the core of all security, political, and military decisions.
Continued disregard for civilian protection will only lead to further loss of life, devastating impacts on children, deeper societal divisions, and the erosion of any possibility of building a free and safe Syria where all people can live with dignity and without fear.
Signatory Organizations:
Syrian Program for Legal Development
Safa Development Association
DeFacto Dialogue Platform
Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression
Campaign for Syria
Ashna Organization for Development
Media for Women
Dawzena
Artist Organization for Culture and Development
Arzu
Dawlati
Independent Humanitarian Message Organization
Action for Sama
Dan for Relief and Development
Al-Furat Organization
Humanitarian and Development Cooperation (HDC)
Dar Adala
Rose Organization for Support and Empowerment
Ahimsa for Nonviolence
Demos
White Hope Organization
The Day After
Taazur Association for Victims
Citizens for Syria
Women Now for Development
RP Organization for Community Leadership
Women of Tomorrow Organization
Justice for Life Organization
RÊ Organization for Rehabilitation and Development
Access Center for Human Rights (ACHR)
For Feminism
Caesar Files for Justice
Syrian Danish Cultural Association
Salam for Hope
Hayyan Humanitarian Organization
Syrian Network in Denmark
Seen for Civil Peace
Ishti Center for Peacebuilding
Aras
Women Peace Leaders Network
Bader Organization for Community Development
Beitna
Baladna Foundation
Diplomatic Committee of the Star Conference
Pel – Civic Waves
Ashti Foundation
Joya Foundation
Bayam for Mental Health and Human Development
Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights
Advocates for Accountability Organization
Ta Marbouta
Malva for Arts, Culture, and Learning
Rojava Organization
Ambassadors Association for Persons with Disabilities
Asso Center for Strategic Studies and Consultations
Equal Citizenship Center
Shawshka Women’s Association
Civil Society and Democracy Center
Local Development and Small Projects Support Office
Leilon Association for Victims
Alternative Pathways
Nun for Peacebuilding
Roj Kar Organization for Relief and Development
Insight Organization
Women’s Empowerment Office
Bidayatna – Syria for All
Kobane Organization for Relief and Development
Musawat
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