Human Rights Report: 30,293 Syrian Children Victims of Conflict Since 2011
November 21, 2024, 11:05 am

Human Rights Report: 30,293 Syrian Children Victims of Conflict Since 2011

قصف النظام

The Syrian Network for Human Rights has reported that the number of Syrian children who have died since the onset of the conflict in March 2011 stands at 30,293, including 225 children who died as a result of torture, while 5,298 children remain detained or missing.

This announcement came in the thirteenth annual report by the network concerning violations against children in Syria, coinciding with Universal Children's Day. The report, spanning 39 pages, confirmed that Syrian children have witnessed a significant increase in the scale and severity of violations committed by all parties involved in the conflict.

These violations have contributed to creating an unsafe environment that threatens the basic rights and daily lives of children. Children have faced a wide range of abuses akin to those suffered by adults, from killings and permanent disabilities caused by injuries to arbitrary detention affecting hundreds of children, as well as enforced disappearances that have left thousands of children lost and separated from their families for years.

The report also documented various forms of torture, forced recruitment on behalf of warring parties, and sexual violence, which is considered one of the most horrific violations that children endure. Violations have also included the denial of education and access to essential healthcare services.

The report referenced findings in the United Nations Secretary-General's annual report on children and armed conflict for 2023, which documented 1,574 serious violations against children in Syria during the same year.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights reiterated its commitment to documenting these violations and providing the United Nations with accurate information regarding war crimes against children. Additionally, the report highlighted the nomination of children Ahmad and Sana Abdul Karim Al-Zeir for the International Children's Peace Prize 2024, in recognition of their efforts to support their peers and convey the suffering of children affected by the conflict.

The report indicated that the Syrian Network documented the deaths of 30,293 children at the hands of warring parties in Syria from March 2011 to November 20, 2024, with 23,058 killed by Syrian regime forces, 2,059 by Russian forces, 1,010 by various armed opposition factions, 959 by ISIS, 927 by the international coalition forces, 274 by the Syrian Democratic Forces, and 76 by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, while 1,930 were killed by other entities.

Furthermore, the report stated that, according to the network's database, at least 5,298 children remain in detention, held, or forcibly disappeared by conflict parties in Syria from March 2011 until November 20, 2024, with 3,702 detained by Syrian regime forces, 859 by the Syrian Democratic Forces, 371 by various armed opposition factions, 319 by ISIS, and 47 by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.