A statement issued by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria denounces the “extreme situation” causing humanitarian crisis in several parts of the country. Senior representatives called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” in order to enable the international community to deliver humanitarian aid and services to help the wounded civilians.
In Afrin, small enclave near the Syrian border, the ongoing military operations have trapped many civilians from escaping the dangerous zone. Thousands of people have been displaced within that area and already 380 families have reached surrounding villages near Aleppo.
The fights continue as the number of civilians affected by violence increases. The situation has not improved in Ar-Raqqah where the city’s devastation left hundreds of people without any services. Many civilians have been killed or injured by unexploded ordinances while they were trying to return home. In Idleb, a wide movement of civilians to safe areas was observed after a significant increase of casualties resulting from military operations. For the people remaining in the dangerous area, the constant assault of non-State armed groups are preventing any external help from humanitarian organisations from reaching victims.
Nevertheless, a positive first step was made in an agreement to resume humanitarian assistance in Al-Hasakah, where the situation had previously reached a critical extent.

The UN-mandated Independent International Commission of Inquiry in Syria expressed its concern about the failure of the parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law. The Commission received multiple reports on the use of mass destruction weapons in the conflicts and there are fears that the violence will increase.

For more information read:

https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/02/1002071
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/02/1002632
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/09/20/UN-chief-urges-those-with-influence-to-end-Syria-war.html
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-crisis-un/u-n-urges-end-to-syrias-convoluted-aid-restrictions-idUKBREA2R23620140328