U.N. report says Syrian children subjected to horrific treatment

DAMASCUS, Syria, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Since the civil war in Syria began, children have been subjected to abuse, ranging from blocked access to school and aid to sexual violence, a U.N. report said.

The report, covering the period from March 1, 2011 to Nov. 15, 2013, said the maltreatment Syria's children suffered since the opposition against President Bashar al-Assad began nearly three years ago ranged from the direct acts of abuse -- including sexual violence -- to more general violations of their rights, including school closings and denial of humanitarian aid, the United Nations said in a release.

"The present report highlights that use of weaponry and military tactics that are disproportionate and indiscriminate by government forces and associated militias has resulted in countless killings and the maiming of children, and has obstructed children's access to education and health services," U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in the report released Monday to the U.N. Security Council.

Both sides have mistreated children, Ban said.

Government forces also were responsible for "the arrest, arbitrary detention, ill treatment and torture of children," Ban said. "Armed opposition groups have been responsible for the recruitment and use of children both in combat and support roles, as well as for conducting military operations, including using terror tactics, in civilian-populated areas, leading to civilian casualties, including children."

In his recommendations, Ban calls on all sides to stop all grave violations against children cited in the report, end indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on civilian areas, allow unimpeded humanitarian access and immediately release abducted women and children.

"Violations must come to an end now," Ban Ki-moon said in the report. "I therefore urge all parties to the conflict to take, without delay, all measures to protect and uphold the rights of all children in Syria."