The current invasion by the Turkish state of North East Syria takes place in a context and as part of a wider geo-political situation. Extensive research has been made on the effects of modern warfare on women and children.

The ongoing attacks of October 2019 are an extension of the Turkish state’s invasion and occupation of Afrin in 2018. They also continue a pattern of the Turkish state taking unilateral action in the name of “security” in the region, and attempting demographic change and causing widespread displacement.

Further, they take place within the context of an 8-year long conflict within the borders of Syria. As such, all these events must be analysed in the context of the documented effects of both short and long term warfare on women and children, and of the documented history of the region.

The fact that this war includes practices of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes must also be placed in context. Many aspects of war have the greatest effect on women and children.