UN blames Syria displaced crisis on rights abuses

The conflict in Syria has caused a "severe internal displacement crisis" due to disrespect for international humanitarian laws, the U.N. special rapporteur on the rights of the displaced said on Thursday. "The special rapporteur called upon all Syrian authorities and parties to the conflict to ensure respect for international law, including human rights and humanitarian law...and prevent conditions that may lead to further forced internal displacement of persons," a statement said. "More and more people are being forced daily to flee their homes as a result of escalating violence, and are seeking refuge in host families, schools and makeshift shelters," said Special Rapporteur Chaloka Beyani. According to the United Nations, there are some 1.5 million internal displaced persons (IDPs) in Syria. More than 200,000 have been displaced from Aleppo alone since major battles broke out in the northern city on July 20. "It is imperative that all parties to the conflict respect international humanitarian and human rights law, particularly the right to life and the right to physical integrity, and ensure the protection of IDPs as civilians," the special rapporteur said. Beyani urged Syrian authorities to allow "full and unrestricted access to IDPs by humanitarian actors... The lack of access to healthcare, shelter, water, food and other essential services is compounding an already severe situation for the IDPs."