United Nations (CNN) -- The Syrian regime has used children
as human shields and tortured youths whose parents are suspected dissidents,
according to a U.N. report.
The report on children and armed
conflict details accounts of juveniles allegedly abused by pro-government forces
and came as a top U.N. official said the conflict in Syria has spiraled into a
civil war.
"Yes, I think we can say that,"
U.N. peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous said when asked if Syria is in a civil
war. "Clearly what is happening is that the government of Syria lost some large
chunks of territory, several cities to the opposition, and wants to retake
control."
Ladsous, who made the remarks to
two news agencies, was not available for comment Tuesday because he was
traveling. His spokesman Kieran Dwyer confirmed them to CNN, but said what one
calls it is not what's important.
"Whether we call it all-out civil
war ,whether we call it partial civil war, civil war in some places, the point
is that it's hugely escalated, that it's across nearly all parts of the country
and that the civilians, ordinary Syrian people, are the ones that are
suffering," Dwyer said.
The U.N. report about children,
dated late April, was released Monday by the United Nations.
"Most child victims of torture
described being beaten, blindfolded, subjected to stress positions, whipped with
heavy electrical cables, scarred by cigarette burns and, in one recorded case,
subjected to electrical shock to the genitals," the report states, citing dozens of witness accounts.
"Children were detained and tortured because their siblings or parents were
assumed to be members of the opposition or FSA, or they themselves were
suspected of being associated with FSA," a reference to the rebel Free Syrian
Army.
Dozens of children between ages 8
and 13 were reportedly used as human shields by pro-regime forces during a raid
on the village of Ayn l'Arouz in March, the report says.
It includes allegations that
rebel forces such as the Free Syrian Army recruited and used children, despite
the FSA's stated policy of not recruiting anyone younger than 17 years of
age.
Free Syrian Army officials could
not immediately be reached for comment.
Unfortunately in these wars throughout society in general is very damaged and those who suffer most are children. and the worst is that the community cares little for this to continue happening in the XXI century
ResponderEliminarHi Luz.
ResponderEliminarUnfortunately countries like this do not mind using children in their wars, the worst part is that these children after living these situations are scarred for life and I think many need psychological therapies to overcome this as well as its family
Hi, to think about what comments your news is horrible, very sad but unfortunately this passes in thousands of countries more.
ResponderEliminarThat gives this sad news, but suffering for both parents and youngsters who are going through this.
ResponderEliminarHello!
ResponderEliminarIt's demeaning what they do with these children that have nothing to do with these conflicts that brings the government, I think pesimo who torture innocent children who are to use them as if they were subject to sadness.
It is very cruel that you do that to children, they are the future of our planet and if things go well for many years there will be more adults than children, protect them should also be a priority of all.
ResponderEliminarI think they should not do this with children because they are only a tiny, barely are discovering and learning about life. But that tradition and culture to which they are accustomed.
ResponderEliminarI THING OER THERE IS NORMAL, I THINK IS TOTALLY NOT FAIR BUT THEY THINK THAT IS THE CORRECT.
ResponderEliminarUnfortunately these things happen in many countries, they have nothing to do with conflicts with their governments, unfortunately these people do not know how to defend, this is where an organization should go not to allow these atrocities.
ResponderEliminar