Kurdish Civil Society Holds the Concerned Parties Responsible for the Humanitarian Deterioration in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh and Calls for an Urgent Response
In the name of Kurdish civil society, we address this urgent humanitarian appeal to local actors, authorities in control on the ground, and relevant governmental bodies, in addition to the United Nations, the European Union, international and humanitarian organizations, and global relief agencies, demanding immediate and responsible intervention to halt the dangerous deterioration in humanitarian and service conditions in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods of the city of Aleppo, in light of the imposed siege and the renewed attacks that have claimed the lives of dozens of Kurdish civilians.
The two neighborhoods, home to tens of thousands of civilians—most of whom are displaced and forcibly displaced from the Afrin region—are witnessing a wide-scale deterioration in living and service conditions as a result of the siege imposed by armed groups affiliated with the Damascus government. These groups have besieged the neighborhoods and prevented the entry of fuel, petroleum products, and essential goods, in clear violation of the principles of international humanitarian law, particularly those related to the protection of civilians and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The prevention of fuel entry has led to a near-complete paralysis of basic services. Bakeries and commercial shops face the risk of total shutdown, signaling an impending food crisis and intensifying the suffering of the population, especially the most vulnerable groups.
The only hospital in the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood is facing severe difficulties in continuing to provide medical services due to an acute shortage of fuel and medical supplies. This situation threatens the lives of patients and the wounded, undermines the right to health and medical care, and exposes civilians to grave humanitarian risks.
Based on our moral and legal responsibility, we in Kurdish civil society:
Urge local authorities and the Autonomous Administration to intensify emergency response efforts and strengthen coordination with international actors to prevent further escalation of the catastrophe.
The continuation of this siege constitutes collective punishment of civilians and warns of an imminent humanitarian disaster. Any international silence or inaction represents a serious breach of legal and humanitarian responsibility toward the civilian population.
Saving the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods is no longer a political matter, but an urgent humanitarian duty that cannot be delayed or subject to bargaining.
05.01.2026
Kurdish civil and human rights organizations:
The two neighborhoods, home to tens of thousands of civilians—most of whom are displaced and forcibly displaced from the Afrin region—are witnessing a wide-scale deterioration in living and service conditions as a result of the siege imposed by armed groups affiliated with the Damascus government. These groups have besieged the neighborhoods and prevented the entry of fuel, petroleum products, and essential goods, in clear violation of the principles of international humanitarian law, particularly those related to the protection of civilians and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The prevention of fuel entry has led to a near-complete paralysis of basic services. Bakeries and commercial shops face the risk of total shutdown, signaling an impending food crisis and intensifying the suffering of the population, especially the most vulnerable groups.
The only hospital in the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood is facing severe difficulties in continuing to provide medical services due to an acute shortage of fuel and medical supplies. This situation threatens the lives of patients and the wounded, undermines the right to health and medical care, and exposes civilians to grave humanitarian risks.
Based on our moral and legal responsibility, we in Kurdish civil society:
- Hold the armed groups affiliated with the Damascus government, along with other concerned parties, directly responsible for the humanitarian deterioration resulting from the siege and the denial of fuel access.
- Demand the immediate lifting of the siege and the unconditional entry of fuel, humanitarian, medical, and food assistance into both neighborhoods.
- Call on the United Nations and its agencies, the European Union, and international and human rights organizations to intervene urgently and exert the necessary pressure to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to end the collective punishment of civilians.
Urge local authorities and the Autonomous Administration to intensify emergency response efforts and strengthen coordination with international actors to prevent further escalation of the catastrophe.
The continuation of this siege constitutes collective punishment of civilians and warns of an imminent humanitarian disaster. Any international silence or inaction represents a serious breach of legal and humanitarian responsibility toward the civilian population.
Saving the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods is no longer a political matter, but an urgent humanitarian duty that cannot be delayed or subject to bargaining.
05.01.2026
Kurdish civil and human rights organizations:
Geo-Strategic Organization for Kurdish Civil Society
Kurdish–Israeli Friendship Association / Austria
Kurdish Women’s Association – Austrian
Gathering of Free Intellectuals
Afrin Human Rights Organization – Syrian / inside Rojava
Syrian Kurdish Gathering in Russia
Western Kurdistan Kurdistan Council in France
Zozan Center for Culture and Folklore
Geo-Strategic Studies Network
Welat News Agency
German International Organization for Development and Peace
Kobani House Association in Austria
Kurdish Women’s Association – Austrian
Gathering of Free Intellectuals
Afrin Human Rights Organization – Syrian / inside Rojava
Syrian Kurdish Gathering in Russia
Western Kurdistan Kurdistan Council in France
Zozan Center for Culture and Folklore
Geo-Strategic Studies Network
Welat News Agency
German International Organization for Development and Peace
Kobani House Association in Austria
