Statement by Commissioner Stylianides on the humanitarian situation in Western Mosul and other conflict areas in Iraq

On 17 February 2017 Commissioner Stylianides stated that the military operations in Mosul had so far been conducted with due attention to the protection of civilians, while noting the dangers of fighting ISIL in densely populated areas. He commended the Iraqi authorities and military forces for having put protection of civilians at the core of their military strategy, and called for the protection of civilians when the offensive on western Mosul starts. He also stated that the EU is at the forefront of advocacy efforts and humanitarian efforts in Iraq, and the EU will do its best to help civilians trapped in conflict areas.

ECFR: Policy Brief, January 2017: After ISIS: How to Win the Peace in Iraq and Libya http://www.europeansources.info/record/after-isis-how-to-win-the-peace-in-iraq-and-libya/

ESO: Background information: EU steps up humanitarian aid to Iraq by €25 million as more planes arrive to help Mosul http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-steps-up-humanitarian-aid-to-iraq-by-e25-million-as-more-planes-arrive-to-help-mosul/

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