The High Representative Federica Mogherini called today for an immediate protection of civilians in Aleppo.

“Syria is constantly on our minds and in these hours in particular, as we are receiving terrible reports from the ground,” she said while addressing the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg.

“I join my voice to that of the UN Secretary General, who just a few hours ago underlined the obligations of all the parties on the ground to protect civilians and abide by international humanitarian and human right’s law. This is particularly the responsibility of the Syrian government and its allies,” she went on.

“Those who perpetrate war crimes will be held accountable. The priority now, in these hours, is to protect civilians, guarantee them safe and monitored transit to a place of safety,” the High Representative stressed.

Read Mogherini’s full speech here.