UNITED NATIONS: Horrified by “total disrespect” for civilian life in Syria, the United Nations humanitarian chief said on Monday the ongoing conflict was having a devastating impact on civilians in the country.

Stephen O’Brien said at the close of a three-day visit to Syria he hoped that concrete steps would be taken soon to boost humanitarian aid efforts in the country. According to UN figures, more than 12 million people need help.

But the UN official focused on the effects of violence in Syria, including the “inestimable human suffering” in the city of Homs and Sunday’s air strikes by the Syrian air force near Damascus that killed almost 100 people and wounded more than 200 others.

“Attacks on civilians are unlawful, unacceptable and must stop,” O’Brien said. “I am particularly appalled about reports of Sunday’s air strikes, causing scores of civilian deaths and hundreds injured, right in the centre of Douma, a besieged part of Damascus.

“I am horrified by the total disrespect for civilian life in this conflict. I appeal to each and every party to this protracted conflict to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law.”

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2015

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