January 18, 2017…“Many families have escaped the horrors of Mosul, but at least 300,000 children remain trapped in the west of the city and now face the prospect of a brutal siege.
“Children have already paid a heavy price during the battles for the east, with civilians so far making up nearly half of all casualties in the conflict. In the narrow and densely populated streets of the west, in Mosul’s old city, children and their families run an even greater risk of being caught in the crossfire or being hit by bombs.
“As the fighting moves even deeper into Mosul, coalition and Iraqi forces must do everything in their power to protect children and civilian buildings like schools and hospitals, and to refrain from using indiscriminate, high explosive weapons in populated areas. Safe routes out of the city must be established as soon as possible, as most civilians are unable to flee and surrounded by Isis snipers, landmines and the threat of bombing.
“The humanitarian crisis inside western Mosul is reported to be increasingly desperate. An estimated 750,000 civilians there are out of reach of aid agencies and running out of food, medicine and fuel for heating in freezing winter temperatures. Trade routes have been cut off for more than two months and bridges connecting the city have been destroyed.
“As the risk grows of western Mosul falling under siege, all parties must respect their obligation under international law to ensure that vital humanitarian aid is given sustained and safe passage to reach people in need.”
ENDS
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