The Secretariat has the honour to transmit to the Human Rights Council the report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons on his mission to the Syrian Arab Republic from 16 to 19 May 2015. The conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic has caused the largest displacement crisis since the Second World War, with over 11 million people displaced either internally or to neighbouring countries. More than half of the Syrian population has been forced to flee their homes; over 6.5 million people are displaced in the Syrian Arab Republic. Without urgent action to end the conflict, hundreds of thousands more are likely to be displaced in the coming months.
Attention given to the plight of internally displaced persons must be maintained and enhanced. While Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries and those seeking refuge in Europe have gained significant international political and media attention, those who remain displaced or trapped in besieged locations inside the Syrian Arab Republic are at the greatest risk of violence and violation of their human rights. It is imperative that they receive the attention and protection that they so urgently require. It is the lack of effective internal protection that leads to the mass exodus of those who become refugees in neighbouring countries and Europe. The main responsibility for protection and prevention falls on the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic. However all parties to the conflict must fulfil their responsibilities under international humanitarian and human rights law and standards. Measures to end the conflict and create conditions of stability and security are critical to preventing and resolving displacement. The Government, in coordination with international humanitarian and development organizations, must create viable options providing security, housing and livelihoods and the prospect of a secure future for internally displaced persons in the country. The international community is urged to continue to provide the necessary funding and resources to meet the protection and humanitarian needs of the millions of such persons in the Syrian Arab Republic.