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21:13 GMT
NEW YORK, March 27 (KUNA) -- UN deeply concerned for the safety and protection of over 400,000 civilian following reports of ongoing military operation in Raqqa, said UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq on Monday.
He told reporters that the organization continues to receive reports on fighting and airstrikes that resulted in death and injury to scores of civilians and damage to civilian infrastructure, including schools, bakeries, markets and water infrastructure.
An estimated 35,000 to 40,000 people have been displaced as a result of fighting since November 2016.
Haq said Humanitarian partners are responding to people in need, providing winter and food assistance and distributing mine risk education materials, especially for children.
The UN reminds all parties of their obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure as required by International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law.
Further, the UN spokesperson affirmed that Secretary General Antonio Guterres reiterates his full support to his Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, calling all to ensure the success of the Geneva talks. (end)
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