EVENT: Gendered crimes and protection of children in Syria

Children suffer overwhelmingly as a result of armed conflicts, including indiscriminate attacks on and military use of schools and hospitals, of abduction, deprivation of liberty, recruitment and the use of children in war as well as denial of humanitarian access. While girls are confined to their homes, removed from school, increasingly vulnerable to child, early and forced marriage and face obstacles to access health care, boys have been arrested in a widespread manner and kept in detention facilities, as well as targeted by armed groups and militia for recruitment into their ranks. This panel will address the nature and scope of the abuse and violations taking place against children in Syria, highlighting protection gaps and discussing  avenues available at the international level for seeking redress.

Opening remarks

Ambassador Carl Hallergard, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva

Ambassador Miriam Shearman, Deputy Permanent Representative of the UK Mission to the UN in Geneva

Speakers

Hanny Megally, Commission of Inquiry on Syria

Maimouna Alammar, Hurras Representative 

Fran Equiza, Representative of UNICEF in Syria

Michelle Jarvis, Deputy Head of Syrian IIIM & former Deputy to the Prosecutor ICTY

Yakzan Shishaky, Director of Maram

Antonia Mulvey, Executive Director of Legal Action Worldwide

Closing remarks

Gilles Bertrand, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. at the EU Delegation to Syria