Press Release: For Immediate Release
New York, 20 December 2024: Recalling that brutal acts of sexual violence against women, girls, men and boys, were a devastating, prominent and pervasive feature of the conflict in Syria, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten pledges the unwavering commitment of her mandate, to supporting survivors, especially women and girls, who bore the brunt of sexual violence used as a tactic of war, terror and torture, and who continue to be victimized on multiple grounds. “It is not only my duty but my profound obligation to address the plight of survivors and to advocate for their inherent rights to justice, healing and socioeconomic reintegration.”
While the world watches a new chapter unfold in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, more than a decade of grinding conflict, mass displacement, and economic devastation have created a catastrophic humanitarian emergency in which the needs of women and girls remain unmet. “As we look forward to Syria’s emergence from the shadows of conflict, let us not forget the shadows of trauma that persist. Addressing the sexual violence that has marred the country’s history is critical not just for the survivors but for future generations. This is a necessary foundation for durable peace and reconciliation”, added Special Representative Patten.
Special Representative Patten further calls on the caretaker Government to adopt a robust survivor-centered framework that ensures counseling, mental health services and medical care tailored to the unique needs of survivors of sexual violence, given that the psychological wounds are deep and enduring. She further urges the caretaker Government to prioritize a legal framework that holds perpetrators of these crimes accountable. “For too long, survivors have been denied effective avenues to seek redress and accountability. Justice must not be a distant dream; it is an urgent necessity”, she added.
Special Representative Patten reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for the protection of the rights of all Syrians without any distinction. She further called on all parties in Syria to take steps to prevent any further instances of sexual violence, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions, including 1888 (2009), 2106 (2013) and 2467 (2019).
Sexual violence is one of the most heinous crimes committed during the Syrian conflict. “In honoring the dignity and resilience of survivors, the caretaker Government must ensure that they are at the forefront of Syria’s reconstruction. Their voices, as well as those of civil society groups, too long silenced by fear, must be heard. Transitional justice mechanisms must address the needs of victims/survivors, including survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, as a matter of priority. These justice measures include the immediate preservation of evidence for future criminal proceedings in accordance with due process of law and support to rule of law institutions,” stated Special Representative Patten.
Special Representative Patten further calls for a durable solution for Syrian and foreign nationals arbitrarily detained in al-Hol and al-Roj camps and other facilities in Northeast Syria, the majority of whom are women and children, many of whom are survivors of forced marriage, sexual slavery, trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation and other forms of sexual violence and may remain at risk.
“Addressing the legacy of sexual violence in Syria is not solely a national obligation but an international imperative”, Special Representative Patten underscored, calling on the international donor and diplomatic community to provide financial and technical support to amplify survivors’ voices, meet their needs and safeguard their rights.
The Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict will continue to closely monitor events in Syria and the region and stands ready to work with the caretaker Government and all relevant partners, to foster inclusive and durable peace, with safe access to services and justice for all survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, including through the engagement of the UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict Network and the rapid deployment of the United Nations Team of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Géraldine Boezio, Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict
Tel: +1 917 367 3306 Email: geraldine.boezio@un.org
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