The military offensive by Turkey in northeast Syria risks devastating humanitarian consequences and a further destabilization of the region, warned Amnesty International’s Europe Director, Marie Struthers, reiterating the call on Turkey to respect international law.

“Hostilities will impact and restrict access to humanitarian aid pushing the civilian population, which has already suffered years of violence and displacement, to the brink.

Hostilities will impact and restrict access to humanitarian aid pushing the civilian population to the brink. Marie Struthers, Amnesty International

“It is vital that Turkish forces in the area respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to minimize the impact of their military operations on civilian populations. Turkey must ensure civilians fleeing the conflict can access safer areas including by crossing the border into Turkey to seek international protection.

Turkey must ensure civilians fleeing the conflict can access safer areas including by crossing the border into Turkey to seek international protection. Marie Struthers, Amnesty International

“The offensive is being accompanied by a draconian crackdown on dissent and censorship of the media with investigations under anti-terrorism laws and police detention, targeting those criticizing the military operation.

Quashing criticism of Turkey’s military operations and targeting journalists and social media users will not make the brutal realities of the offensive magically disappear Marie Struthers, Amnesty International

“Quashing criticism of Turkey’s military operations and targeting journalists and social media users with threats of detention and criminal prosecutions is unacceptable. This crackdown violates Turkey’s obligations under international human right law and it will not make the brutal realities of the offensive magically disappear.”