Syria (S/2014/440)

The Security Council met on 14 July 2014 to discuss the agenda item entitled, the situation in the Middle East and voted on the draft resolution document

S/2014/440, and subsequently adopted Resolution 2165 (2014). Discussion followed the adoption.

Issues of women, peace and security were referenced on three occasions during the meeting in regards to women’s protection concerns, yet all references remain

superficial references to violence against civilians.

There were significant missed opportunities to reference women’s participation, empowerment and protection concerns during the meeting. All speakers failed to

acknowledge the important role of women in seeking a political solution to the conflict, including in any mediation and peace processes. There were references to

sexual and gender-based violence, contrary to previous meeting in which numerous speakers referenced such acts. Consistent with the previous work of the Council

there is no discussion of gender in the context of the delivery and access to humanitarian aid, nor was there mention of gender-specific health and psychosocial

services for women who have suffered violence. Consistent with past meetings, Council members failed to integrate gender as a crosscutting issue in their discussion

of the Syrian conflict.