Toronto, Canada- UOSSM condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing of seven White Helmets (Syrian Civil Defense) staff In Idlib, Syria. At approximately 5 a.m. Damascus time today, an armed group shot and killed seven members of the White Helmets in their Civil Defense Center in Sarmin. The killers also stole two cars, phones, and walkie talkies among other things from the center.
The Director of the White Helmets said, “Their work solely focused on saving lives of civilians, triaging the wounded, and putting out fires.”
UOSSM call on all concerned parties, the international community, and human rights organizations to conduct a full investigation into this heinous crime. The Syrian Network for Human Rights documented 65 aid workers killed and 135 attacks against aid facilities in the first half of 2017. The targeting of aid workers is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law, UOSSM calls on the international community to protect aid workers and prosecute perpetrators to full extent.
UOSSM staff extend their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. UOSSM affirms its full solidarity with the White Helmets, and condemns any crime that targets them.
