2026 January
The Syria NGO Forum (SNGOF) urgently calls on all parties to the conflict in Aleppo to
immediately de-escalate hostilities and uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian
Law (IHL). The protection of civilians must remain paramount and non-negotiable as violence
. continues
Recent escalations have resulted in at least 12 civilian casualties with multiple more injured, again
forcing 139,000 people to flee their homes, with over 1,100 seeking refuge in overcrowded
emergency shelters where heating is scarce and temperatures hover near freezing with heavy
snowstorms this winter period. These communities have already endured multiple cycles of
displacement, insecurity, widespread contamination, and loss over the past 14 years, and
renewed violence risks compounding their suffering.
Coordination mechanisms have observed a rapid deterioration in humanitarian operating
conditions in Aleppo over the past 72 hours. Movement restrictions, localized curfews, suspension
of flights at Aleppo International Airport, and temporary closure of public institutions (including
hospitals in proximity to conflict lines) have significantly constrained humanitarian access and
civilians’ ability to seek assistance and safe movement. Urgent humanitarian aid must be provided
immediately to affected and displaced communities in the face of the crisis. Amid the ongoing
crisis, all actors must urgently prioritise the protection of vulnerable individuals from protection
risks and safeguard their rights, dignity and access to essential services.
SNGOF reiterates to all parties their binding obligations that attacks on civilians and civilian
infrastructure are prohibited under IHL. We urge strict compliance with these obligations,
including:
● Protection of civilians and civilian objects at all times.
● Safeguarding essential services and humanitarian access, ensuring continuity of lifesaving assistance.
● Avoiding indiscriminate attacks and upholding proportionality and distinction principles.
At this pivotal moment, when prospects for recovery are within reach, the SNGOF calls for urgent
de-escalation. If allowed to continue, renewed hostilities will only deepen community suffering,
reverse fragile recovery gains, and undermine prospects for stability that still remain within reach.
The SNGOF is a coordination, representation, and advocacy platform for national and
international NGOs in Syria that brings together 178 international and national NGOs, networks,
and observers delivering humanitarian, early recovery, and development assistance, across all
governorates of Syria