As the Syrian conflict continues with increasing levels of violence, reports have emerged indicating that government forces and extremist groups are using sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) as a tool of war. However reliable information on SGBV remains scarce due to social stigma and survivors’ fears that they may be ostracized from their communities if they come forward with their stories.

As part of its efforts to ethically and comprehensively document all violations of the conflict, including SGBV, Syria Justice & Accoutnability Center commissioned a report from the Syria Research and Evaluation Organization (SREO) to assess Syrians’ attitudes towards the survivors and perpetrators of SGBV. The results were surprising – on the individual level respondents unanimously sympathized with survivors and wanted to support them. At the same time, the vast majority of respondents said that their respective communities would not be supportive and would instead shame survivors.

The panelists will discuss the report’s paradoxical findings, the role of awareness-raising for post-conflict SGBV prevention, and how other conflict contexts can provide lessons-learned for Syria. Speakers include:

Ambassdor Steven E. Steiner, Gender Advisor at United States Institute of Peace

Shabnam Mojtahidi, Legal and Strategy Analyst at Syria Justice & Accoutnability Center

Additional spekaers and modrator will be confrimed soon.

Light refreshments will be served.

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We hope you can make it!

Cheers,
Syria Justice & Accountability Center and InterAction