“We Keep It in Our Heart”: Sexual violence against men and boys in the Syria crisis

Amongst the atrocities committed in conflict-ridden Syria, systematic sexual violence perpetrated against Syrian boys and men both within the nation and in displacement needs further investigation. This study, commissioned by the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, explores sexual violence committed against males in the Syrian crisis and the availability to access services in the region.

This study is a starting point for addressing this type of violence in Syria, and the recommendations made within it are limited to the available knowledge. However, because of the taboo-nature of the topic, sexual violence against boys and men is likely wider-spread than what is identified in this study. More research beyond this exploratory study is needed to identify the scope of sexual violence against males, to implement prevention methods when possible, and to better address the needs of males who have been subjected to sexual violence.