In a resolution adopted by a vote of 122 in favour, 13 against and 36 abstentions, the Assembly also expressed grave concern at the continued deterioration of the devastating humanitarian situation in the country and demanded “rapid, safe, sustained, unhindered and unconditional humanitarian access throughout the country for UN […] and all humanitarian actors.”
Action in the Assembly comes just days after the UN Security Council failed to adopt a similar resolution demanding a ceasefire in Aleppo, as two of its permanent members, China and Russia, casts their vetoes.
Earlier, the UN human rights wing warned that there may currently be around 100,000 civilians in areas under the control of armed opposition groups in eastern Aleppo, with another 30,000 believed to have fled heavy bombardment to areas under Government control.
The Assembly’s measure stressed the need that all parties to the conflict fully and immediately implement all provisions of various Security Council resolutions concerning the situation in the country, and underscored that all parties must “take all appropriate steps to protect civilians and persons hors de combat, including members of ethnic, religious and confessional communities.”
To that end, it noted “the primary responsibility to protect [Syria’s] population lies with the Syrian authorities.”
In the resolution, led by Canada, the General Assembly expressed outrage at extensive and persistent violations of international humanitarian and international human rights laws, especially through shelling and aerial bombardment, use of chemical and other prohibited weapons, and use of siege and starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, that have caused profound suffering and loss of life and created conditions “conducive to the rise and spread of terrorism.”
It also expressed deep concerns at presence of terrorist organizations in the country and condemned attacks and violations of human rights and humanitarian law perpetrated by them.
“Terrorism in all its forms constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security and that any acts of terrorism are unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed,” it reaffirmed.
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