UN chief condemns heavy shelling, aerial attacks in Syria

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the continued heavy shelling, aerial attacks and use of barrel bombs by the Syrian government and renewed his appeal to all parties to the conflict to end violence and seek a political solution.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his condemnation of the indiscriminate use of any weapon against civilians, which contravenes international humanitarian and human rights law," a statement issued by his spokesperson said.

"All civilians must be protected in any situation."

An attack on an improvised camp for internally displaced people in southern Syria on June 18 killed over 50 people, including a number of women and children.

"The Secretary-General again appeals to all Syrian sides to end the violence and focus on a peaceful, political solution to the conflict," said the statement.

The conflict in Syria, which began in March 2011, has killed more than 150,000 people and displaced millions.