Syria (S/2014/31)

The report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic of 27 January 2014 (S/2014/31) ​pursuant to Security Council

resolution 1612 (2005) is the first report regarding children and armed conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic. The report covers the period from 1 March ​2011 to 15

November 2013, and provided information on human rights violations committed against children by all parties to the conflict.

The report discussed an array of human rights violations perpetrated against children, including rape; gang rape; sexual exploitation; and other acts of sexual and

gender-based violence perpetrated across the country, including in detention facilities. Government forces and armed groups are cited as perpetrators of these acts.

Additionally, sex-disaggregated data was provided on several occasions in reporting on children used as human shields; civilian deaths; and in regards to cases of

sexual and gender-based violence. Sexual violence is believed to be largely underreported due to fear of reprisals, social stigmatization and lack of response services

for survivors. Related, sexual violence or fear of sexual violence is one reason families have been internally displaced or have fled Syria. Further, the report stated that

sexual and gender-based violence remains a threat to children displaced within and outside of Syria. In the recommendations, the report called for the release of

abducted women and children; demanded action to prevent and stop all forms of sexual violence against girls and boys; and called for a framework and action plan

to address and prevent ongoing violations against children, including sexual violence.

Not disregarding the above references to women, peace and security, the report failed to mention the importance of a gender perspective in addressing the entirety

of the humanitarian situation, including a call for gender-specific services for girl civilians, IDPs and refugees, including specific services for survivors of sexual and

gender-based violence.

In relation to the recommendations put forth in the January 2014 MAP, the report’s record was inadequate. The MAP called for a gender lens in humanitarian

assistance, pursuant to the UN Guidelines for Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Settings; and for information about and access to services for

survivors of sexual and gender-based violence [1] The report failed to provide any information regarding efforts under-way to protect and address the gender-specific

needs girl civilians, IDPs or refugees, and there is no mention of specific services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.