Church Appeals UN, Influential Nations to End Syria War

Now more than ever, the world needs to hear a public outcry to end the Syria crisis. UNICEF

Condemning the military actions against civilians in the Eastern Ghouta of Damascus, Syria, the ecumenical body World Council of Churches (WCC), on Feb. 26 expressed its dismay.

Over 550 people, including 130 children, have been killed, and nearly 2,500 have been wounded since the bombardment of Eastern Ghouta began on Feb. 18.

"The WCC is saddened and shocked to note that this is still happening despite the Security Council resolution 2401 adopted unanimously on 24 February 2018, imposing an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," read a statement from WCC.

"The continuation of the Syrian army military offensive targeting civilians and preventing access of humanitarian aid to a civilian population, who has been under siege for the last five years, is morally and ethically unacceptable and condemnable by all norms and virtues, as well as by international law and international humanitarian law," it added.

What began as a peaceful uprising against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad six years ago became a full-fledged civil war that has left more than 300,000 people dead, devastated the country and drawn in global powers.

The WCC appealed the United Nations Security Council and those countries that have direct influence on Syria to immediately put an end to the ongoing tragedy.

"Our hearts and prayers are with all those in Syria who are suffering from war and violence, from injustices and oppression, and from being forgotten by the international community," the statement read.

"We ask God to comfort all those who have lost their beloved ones. We affirm that we stand in solidarity with the suffering people of Syria and hope that their aspirations for freedom and human dignity will be reached soon through putting an end to this absurd war and engaging in the political process led by the UN in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions," it added.