PRESS RELEASE
QAMISHLO, SYRIA—January 10, 2026 — As security conditions in Aleppo continue to deteriorate, Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights expresses its deep concern over the intensifying military activities in the Kurdish neighbourhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh and their impact on civilian populations.
These densely populated neighbourhoods are home to thousands of families, many of whom are already dealing with the long-term consequences of conflict and displacement. Reports from local sources indicate that dozens of civilians have been killed, alongside the forced displacement of minority communities, the disruption of essential life-saving services, and significant damage to civilian infrastructure. These developments are further aggravating an already severe humanitarian crisis and increasing the risk of social and ethnic fragmentation.
A necessary prerequisite for transitional justice is the establishment and deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping mission on the ground in Syria. This would not only ensure endangered minorities a degree of security but also strengthen the rule of law, promote human rights, and support political processes.”
Jiyan Foundation reiterates its call for the establishment and deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Syria as a necessary foundation for transitional justice. Such a mission would help protect endangered minorities, strengthen the rule of law, promote human rights, and support a credible and inclusive political process. All international engagements with Syria must prioritise this mission.
Peaceful coexistence, respect for minority rights, and the protection of civilians are essential foundations for a just, inclusive, and lasting peace. Continued violence in Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyeh, and other civilian areas not only costs lives but also undermines prospects for reconciliation and long-term stability in Syria.
Jiyan Foundation calls on all parties, including national authorities and the international community, to support immediate de-escalation, ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and pursue dialogue-based solutions that protect civilians and preserve social cohesion.
Read the press release in Arabic or Kurdish (Kurmanji)
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