Photo: UNICEF

Progress

• Action plan signed by the SDF in June 2019 and progress in its implementation, in particular the issuance of a military order reiterating the prohibition of recruitment of children, the establishment of an implementation committee, the training of 100 commanders, the appointment of senior focal points and the release of 30 children in 2019, of 51 girls in early 2020, and the separation of 18 boys awaiting formal release;
• Access granted for UN child protection partners to Center Houry in Al-Hasakeh, housing mainly Syrian children formerly associated with ISIL;
• Dialogue between the Government of Syria and the UN to implement the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, including recommendations on recruitment and use;

Challenges

• Operation “Peace Spring” in October 2019 affected the action plan’s implementation with the SDF;
• Persistent high levels of all grave violations endured by children from all parties in Syria, including by Government and pro-government forces;
• Increase of attacks against schools and hospitals;
• Drastic increase in the detention of children on security-related charges;
• Rising denials of humanitarian access and emerging trend of attacks on water facilities;

Recommendations

For the Government:

• To engage with the UN in Damascus and OSRSG CAAC to strengthen the protection of children affected by armed conflict, including through the signature of dedicated joint Action Plans;

For all parties:

• To take all necessary measures to better protect children in armed conflict, including precautionary measures to mitigate child casualties;
• To protect schools and health facilities in the conduct of military operations;

For all concerned countries:

• To facilitate the voluntary repatriation of foreign women and children with suspected family ties to ISIL currently in camps in North-East Syria, in line with international law principles, including the principle of non-refoulement and with respect for the best interests of the child.