Spain must not aid Russian warships bound for Syria
| Publisher | Amnesty International |
| Publication Date | 26 October 2016 |
| Cite as | Amnesty International, Spain must not aid Russian warships bound for Syria, 26 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5825e0f74.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Responding to reports that a flotilla of Russian warships destined for Syria is considering refuelling at Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, Samah Hadid, Deputy Regional Director of Campaigns at Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Regional Office, said:
"Neither Spain nor any other country should refuel or provide any other logistical support to Russian warships en route to Syria, given the substantial risk that these ships will be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.
"Russia's attacks across Syria, including the relentless bombardment of Aleppo, have resulted in countless civilian casualties and caused massive destruction in residential areas. We have documented evidence that Syrian government forces, with Russian support, have callously attacked residential homes, medical facilities, schools, markets and mosques as part of a deliberate military strategy to empty Aleppo of its inhabitants and seize control.
"This military convoy will only bolster Russia's efforts, risking further war crimes and other serious violations of international law."