The S&D Group in the European Parliament denounces the systematic and widespread human rights violations and atrocities committed by DAESH (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria).

Gianni Pittella, president of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, said:
 
"I denounce, on behalf of the European progressive family the systematic DAESH campaigns and practices of ethnic cleansing in northern Iraq and Syria, against ethnic and religious minorities.
 
"We demand and fully support the global campaign against DAESH and call the regional and local actors to work together, with our support, towards its defeat under a common, multifaceted, and long-term strategy.
 
"We emphasise, in this regard, that any military campaign of liberation of the territories under DAESH control should adhere strictly to international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law, so as to avoid causing more loss of lives and feeding the extremist agenda, and also to prevent new waves of refugees and internally displaced people.
 
"We stress the need for the international community to increase its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the people in need and call on all donors to fulfil their promises and to deliver assistance as swiftly as possible".

Victor Boştinaru, S&D MEP and vice-president for foreign affairs, said:
 
"Today, we are facing the biggest humanitarian crisis of our era, between the long lasting conflict in Syria and the extreme violence of the expansion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
 
"Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, almost half of the Syrians have been forced to leave their homes and flee for their lives in search of safety. They are the victims of President Bashar al-Assad and now they are forced to live in extremely poor conditions. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis share the same fate. For many, it is not the first time.
 
"The assistance that is currently provided is insufficient to guarantee a dignified life for a tremendous number of refugees living in Syria and Iraq, but also in Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon or other neighbouring countries. These host countries are facing extreme socio-economic challenges which can create further instability in the region: our financial support is really necessary.
 
"Addressing the humanitarian crisis must be a priority and urgency, as the situation is deteriorating every day, and should be part of our strategic fight against ISIS. It is important to achieve a de-escalation of violence as a basis for a broader political process".