War burdens the elderly in Syria

Elderly people in Syria experience a range of challenges in light of the ongoing economic deterioration and fragile security situation, especially with their children’s travel. A group of elderly people interviewed complained about their profoundly changed social situation following their children’s travel abroad. Government forces and non-state armed groups have attacked and committed serious abuses against older civilians in conflicts around Syria , including unlawful killing, summary executions, arbitrary arrest and detention, torture and other ill-treatment, rape, abduction and kidnapping, and destroyed their homes and property. Older civilians have been killed and injured by small arms, heavy weapons, explosive weapons with wide area effects, and chemical and other banned weapons. Older people are often at heightened risk when they are unable or chose not to flee attacks.