2014 Syrian Arab Republic Humanitarian Assistance Response Plan (SHARP)

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE RESPONSE PLAN 2014
3. Gender-based violence (GBV) 45
GBV has been exacerbated by the crisis and consequent displacement, family separation, and limited access to
basic services and support mechanisms. Sexual violence, domestic violence, and forced early marriage are some
of the main forms of GBV suffered by women, girls and boys in Syria. The majority of stranded migrant workers
who are in need of evacuation assistance are single females who may face severe exposure to physical, verbal
and sexual abuse. Services to prevent and respond to GBV need to be enhanced. Moreover, access to the limited
assistance available often is constrained due to insecurity and family restrictions on movement. Societal norms
also condone certain forms of GBV, reinforce survivors‟ stigma and support impunity for perpetrators, which has led
to reluctance to report incidents. Scaling up GBV prevention and response is a priority for this sector in 2014, to be
pursued in close partnership with MoSA and MoH.
Activities:
Awareness-raising on GBV;
Establishment of safe spaces and safe houses for women;
Development and implementation of medical protocols, standard operating procedures, and guidelines for GBV
prevention and response in coordination with partners and relevant Government authorities;
GBV screening, assessment and referrals
Emergency medical care (including PEP and STI kits);
Psychosocial support;
Legal assistance;
Cash assistance;
Vocational training and other livelihood activities;
Emergency evacuation of female migrant workers at risk;
Ensuring awareness on GBV prevention and response across all sectors of response.
4. Child protection
Children and adolescents have been severely and disproportionately affected by the crisis and face specific
protection risks, including: physical harm, kidnapping, unlawful detention, recruitment and other use by armed
groups, targeting and occupation of schools, forced early marriage, sexual exploitation, trafficking, school dropouts,
lack of access to services, child labour, violent abuse, neglect, and separation from their families. Psychological
distress and post-traumatic disorders are especially prevalent among children and adolescents. The existence of
ER resulting in death and injury of children is a serious concern.
Activities:
ER risk education, in particular implemented in schools, in coordination with the Ministry of Education;
Family tracing and reunification, in cooperation cooperation with MoSA and other relevant authorities;
Advocacy and awareness-raising on child protection concerns, including child recruitment;
Psychosocial support services, in cooperation with MoSA, MoH and other partners;
Establishment of Child-Friendly Spaces;
Recreational and educational activities in cooperation with MoE and MoSA;
Community initiatives to support children and their families;
Develop & implement referral mechanisms with relevant Government authorities in support of child protection
activities;
Support and enhance the national child protection information management system.
Coordination on child protection with all relevant stakeholders.
5. Targeted support for persons with disabilities and the elderly
The number of persons with disabilities has surged due to ER and other crisis-related injuries. Persons with
disabilities and the elderly experience heightened vulnerability. Mobility constraints can affect their ability to access
assistance and essential services or even to leave unsafe areas, risking that they be separated from family
support. They are at risk of discrimination and neglect. The capacity of health and social services to provide them
with the specific assistance and services they require is over-stretched by the magnitude of needs and the
45 With specific reference to the Executive Summary, for the purposes of the SHARP, GBV means the prevention and response to violence
against women, girls and boys.
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