The Secretary-General is following with deep concern the continued armed escalation in Syria, most deplorably the ongoing aerial attacks and the use of “barrel bombs”to brutal, devastating effect in populated areas.  He condemns once again the indiscriminate use of any weapon against civilians, in contravention of obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.  All civilians must be protected in any situation.

The Secretary-General reiterates that further violence serves the agendas of those who see military means as the only way forward, at the expense of the Syrian people.  He appeals to all Syrian sides to work immediately on reducing the levels of violence and focusing on a peaceful solution to the conflict.