Toronto, ON-  UOSSM staff have been working tirelessly to treat 114 people injured from the convoy attack in Al Rashideen. On April 15 at 3:30 P.M. Damascus time, a large explosion in Al Rashideen hit a convoy of evacuees coming from Kefraya and Foah.  The carnage caused by the attack has left 126 dead including over 50 children. 114 of the 273 people injured were transferred to UOSSM’s largest hospital in the North of Syria for emergency care.  The transferred patients included over 20 children and 53 women. Five children succumbed to their injuries.  UOSSM provided treatment to all patients and referred critical cases to specialized hospitals in Turkey. UOSSM had 10 ambulances dedicated to the evacuation efforts. Several NGO staff were injured by the blast including two UOSSM staff.

In the strongest possible terms, UOSSM condemns this attack and the wonton violence against civilians. UOSSM reiterates its commitment to impartiality, neutrality and humanitarian service by providing free medical aid to the people of Syria regardless of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.  That over 50 children have died and scores more are left permanently maimed and mutilated is unacceptable by any standard of decency.

UOSSM calls on ALL parties to take responsibility for these atrocities and consequent suffering levied against families and civilians. All parties must work sincerely towards a peaceful resolution. The past few weeks have seen a drastic escalation of phosphorous, napalm and barrel bomb attacks against civilians. These attacks must stop and International Humanitarian Law must be enforced.The UN and impartial international observers must take a more active role to protect civilians and prioritize their safety. 

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