The Cyprus Democratic Lawyers Association expresses its grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in northern Syria, particularly in the Kurdish neighbourhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo, where recent military operations have resulted in civilian deaths, injuries, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and mass displacement.
The Association has examined with particular attention two recent and detailed reports issued by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and its Department of Foreign Relations, documenting a series of serious violations committed between 6 and 10 January 2026. According to these reports, at least 47 civilians were killed, including women and children, more than 130 civilians were wounded, and tens of thousands were forcibly displaced following intense shelling, siege tactics, and ground incursions into densely populated residential areas.
The documentation describes the deliberate targeting of civilian neighbourhoods with heavy artillery, tanks, rockets, suicide drones, and mortars, as well as the imposition of a total siege and curfew amounting to collective punishment of the civilian population. Of particular gravity is the repeated shelling of Khaled Fajr Hospital in Sheikh Maqsoud and Othman Hospital in Ashrafieh, which rendered critical medical facilities inoperable while wounded civilians and medical staff were present inside. Such acts constitute clear violations of the special protection afforded to medical units under international humanitarian law.
Members of the Cyprus Democratic Lawyers Association participated in the Prosecution team of the Rojava v. Turkey People’s Tribunal, which was convened in February 2025 and carried out a comprehensive legal examination of evidence relating to grave violations committed against civilian populations in northern Syria. The developments currently unfolding bear disturbing similarities to patterns of conduct examined and legally qualified during those proceedings.
The reports further document the involvement of armed factions affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government, extremist groups, and Turkish-backed formations, including the participation of foreign fighters and the use of Turkish reconnaissance drones. These findings raise serious questions under international humanitarian law and international criminal law and are consistent with patterns of external involvement previously examined during the Tribunal proceedings.
The Cyprus Democratic Lawyers Association is deeply troubled by the continued silence and inaction of the international community in the face of violations that have been carefully documented, time-stamped, and preserved as evidence. The repetition of conduct already examined by legal bodies undermines the protective function of international law and fosters a climate of impunity.
As an association committed to democratic legality, human rights, and the rule of law, the CDLA reiterates that justice cannot be subordinated to political expediency. Law must function as a shield for civilians and the vulnerable. Compromise with injustice, particularly where grave violations against civilian populations are concerned, only foreshadows further suffering.
The Association calls for heightened awareness, independent monitoring, and responsible engagement by international actors and institutions, with the protection of civilians and respect for international law remaining paramount.
The Cyprus Democratic Lawyers Association will continue to monitor developments closely and to contribute, within its institutional role, to informed public discourse on legality, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Cyprus Democratic Lawyers Association