1. Syrian Genocide RAFY AGUILAR, BEN APRAHAMIAN, DAN MCHALE

2. Background  The genocide began in early 2011 when Syrian President Bashar al- Assad began a crackdown on peaceful protesters. The protesters were protesting for a democratic government and Assad ordered security to open fire on protesters. As more protesters were being killed, more Syrians were taking to the streets in support of the resignation of Assad.  As more people turned to protesting, the country began its descent into civil war. By June 2013, 90,000 people had been killed in the conflict.

3. Background  On August 21, 2013 the war took a very dangerous turn. The Assad regime began to use chemical weapons and killed over 1,400 people. The Syrian government continued to use chemical weapons on its citizens despite a prohibition on chemical weapons.

4. Fleeing  Since the genocide began, more than 4.6 million people have fled Syria as refugees.  Most of the inhabitants that have fled are women and children  Neighboring countries have had a very difficult time trying to accommodate the mass exodus taking place.

5. Those Left Inside the Country  With the 4.6 million people forced out of the country there have been 6.6 million people still in Syria who have been forced out of their homes.  In 2015 alone, 1.2 million people had to leave their homes due to the conflict.  The U.N. estimates that they will need $3.2 billion in order to help all those affected and possibly more for young children.

6. Efforts to stop it  Rebels have grown in numbers and have armed themselves against the Assad Regime  These rogue Islamists and Jihadists’ brutal tactics have caused global outrage and detracted from previous peaceful efforts.  The U.S., U.K., and Russia have all led airstrikes against terrorist attackers and the Assad Regime.

8. Peace Effort  For years, neither side has been able to issue defeat to the other  It was decided by a committee of the UN Security Council that only a political solution could solve the genocide.  Unfortunately, the Syrian government has been very uncooperative despite many countries against them and hoping that they would become peaceful.

9. Impact  Billions of dollars have been spent in Syria alone for the support of the Assad Regime  Millions if not billions more have been spent on other militaries against the regime and peace efforts.  What started as a rebellion, turned into massive genocide with many parties involved

10. Resolution  13.5 million people in Syria need humanitarian assistance  4.6 million Syrians are refugees and 6.6 million are displaced within Syria  320,000 people have been killed including 12,00 children  1.5 million have been wounded or injured  Infrastructure in Syria has crumbled  Currently the UN Security Council is working on a resolution that could lead to peace and new elected officials  The Syrian Genocide still exists today

11. Preventions  We pledge awareness and support to prevent future genocides  The best way to prevent genocide is to educate yourself and others on these specific issues

12. Works Cited  "Syria Backgrounder." United to End Genocide. United to End Genocide, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2016.  "Syria Crisis Fast Facts and Overview of the Refugee Situation." World Vision. World Vision, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2016.  "Syria: The Story of the Conflict." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2016.