Today, November 18, marks the International Day for the Prevention and Recovery of Child Sexual Exploitation and Violence, an international occasion established by the United Nations to reaffirm children’s right to protection from all forms of violence and exploitation, and to highlight programs and policies that guarantee their psychological, physical, and social well-being.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that protecting children in Syria requires a comprehensive national effort, given the dangers of sexual violence, exploitation, and early marriage that children have faced during the years of conflict, in addition to the lack of security resulting from the conflict between the former regime and the Syrian people.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that children’s rights are a national priority, and national laws must be activated in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocols to ensure that no perpetrator escapes punishment and that children are protected from all forms of exploitation and violence.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and educating the community by strengthening awareness programs in schools and local communities, and launching media campaigns to educate the public about children’s rights and how to report any violations.
The Syrian Future Movement calls for support for psychosocial rehabilitation through the provision of integrated programs for children affected by violence or exploitation. These programs should include psychological support, education, vocational training, and their safe and sustainable reintegration into society.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes the necessity of international and local cooperation and coordination of efforts among official bodies, local and international human rights organizations, and the United Nations to provide the necessary resources and expertise for the protection and reintegration of children. We also stress the importance of monitoring and evaluating performance through the establishment of transparent mechanisms to track cases of violence and exploitation and assess the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic programs, ensuring the continuity of protection and the achievement of desired outcomes.
The Syrian Future Movement calls upon all official bodies, civil society, and international partners to work together in this field, ensuring that the protection of children is a fundamental and inalienable right, and that this global initiative is translated into concrete actions on the ground.
