Forced to Flee: A Case Study Analysis of Sexual Violence During the Syrian Civil War
Forced to Flee: A Case Study Analysis of Sexual Violence During the Syrian Civil War

Author(s): Emma von der Lieth
Subject(s): Gender Studies, Military history, Studies in violence and power, Present Times (2010 - today), Migration Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: Syria; civil war; sexual violence; forced migration;
Summary/Abstract: Since the start of the Syrian Civil War, sexual violence has been rampant, causing most Syrians to cite rape as the primary reason for fleeing their home country. This paper explores the relationship between type of perpetrator and the use of sexual violence during armed conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic. This case study investigates pro-government, opposition, Kurdish, and jihadist groups and analyzes which groups utilize sexual violence and their motivations for doing so. The pro-government group includes the Syrian Arab Armed forces and the shabbiha militia. The jihadist group examined is ISIS, the opposition group is the Free Syrian Army (FSA), and the Kurdish group includes both the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). Sources for this research include various reports from nonprofit and non-governmental organizations such as the Human Rights Watch, as well as reports from the Syrian Network for Human Rights, United States Department of State, and articles from various news outlets including the BBC. Throughout this case study, various subjects are discussed, including the importance of Syria’s history, the use of female combatants, the effects of masculinity and patriarchy on the prevalence of sexual violence, and the use of women as spoils of war. All of these phenomena play an important role in explaining how and why perpetrators use sexual violence. This research shows that sexual violence is used purposefully by jihadist and pro-government groups in Syria, but for differing reasons. Pro-government groups use sexual violence against any whom they perceive to be the enemy, which they believe is any Syrian against the Alawite (Shia) Assad regime. On the other hand, ISIS is more likely than pro-government groups to use women as spoils of war. This is because of the group’s emphasis on sexual jihad, and their need to recruit members. With the use of women as spoils of war, ISIS promises members that they can do as they please with these women. The fear of becoming a sex slave for ISIS also helps the group to enforce discipline on the regions they capture. While there is extensive literature regarding the subject of violence against women in conflict, this research is unique in its examination of different types of perpetrators with a narrow focus on Syria. Most importantly, this research provides insight for policy makers around the world regarding the creation of sustainable policy solutions to eliminate sexual violence during conflict.

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