Matthew has given his support to Syrian refugees in the Zaatari camp in Jordan and has helped them decorate bags promoting the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence initiative.

This an annual international campaign that starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. Every year, the UNiTE Campaign focuses on a specific theme. This year’s theme is “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”. Many of the inhabitants of the Zaatari refugee camp are women who have fled Syria as a result of the conflict which has been happening since 2011.

Last year, the Syrian Network for Human Rights estimated that 28,618 females have been killed in Syria since March 2011 and that 11,523 sexual assaults have occurred. In addition, 10,628 females are still missing - considered arrested by forces involved in the conflict. The Syrian regime is believed to be responsible for about 80% of these cases but others are being held by Hay'at Tahrir al Sham, Syrian Democratic Forces, and the Armed Opposition/ Syrian National Army. It is clear that women are being targeted in the conflict. 

There are catalogued cases where the Syrian regime has used sexual violence against women as torture, punishment, and to spread fear and humiliation amongst women. In many cases, sexual violence is used based on a sectarian background or as a retaliation for the actions of the same women - regardless of whether they might have been undertaking a humanitarian or civic role. 

Matthew said: “Horrific violations against women and girls, some of which amount to crimes against humanity, are no longer receiving the necessary attention and condemnation in Syria. Further conflicts, such as in Ukraine, have dominated the media and I have even noticed a normalization of the crimes due to their constant repetition over a long period of time. While other countries are important, I will continue to press the Government over the future of Syrian women.”