HRW Statement on Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

Powerful earthquakes and aftershocks struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6 killing and injuring thousands of people, and destroying homes and infrastructure in both countries.

Hugh Williamson, Human Rights Watch’s Europe and Central Asia Division director said: 

“Human Rights Watch expresses sincere condolences and solidarity to all those in Turkey and Syria affected by the devastating earthquakes and aftershocks on February 6 centered in Turkey’s Kahramanmaraş province and affecting a wide area in south-east Turkey and north-west Syria.

As relief efforts are underway in Turkey and Syria to rescue thousands of people trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, all parties to the armed conflict in Syria should allow for the rapid and unfettered passage of humanitarian assistance to civilians in need, for whom this earthquake comes on top of war and displacement."