Ms Brid Kennedy:

Senator Jim Walsh asked us for an insight into the atrocities and their impact on people's lives. We hear about a wide range of atrocities in the media and through the refugees we encounter on a daily basis. They include people losing their livelihoods because whereas previously they had jobs and could afford to live a comfortable life, their standards of living have collapsed. The fear factor has escalated enormously, especially in the past few weeks when the air attacks started. Foot soldiers fighting on the ground created considerable fear, but when this is combined with aerial attacks, it creates enormous fear among a massive population in Syria. In addition, the practice of beheading adds to these fears. I understand that while the beheadings are sometimes targeted, often they are random. People can be picked from the street, mediaeval style, and communities are told that a beheading is being carried out and that they must come to watch it. This instils considerable fear. In some ways, those who left for Lebanon, Turkey or Jordan are the lucky ones, as many others are unable to leave because they do not have passports, are too poor to travel or have disabilities or other incapacities.

They have incapacities, disabilities and so on so they are not able to travel. They are living within a restrictive, fearful environment. We know of girls and women who are being raped. We know of punishments because certain rules are not complied with. Beatings are regular so the fear factor in terms of murder, rape and violence is part of everyday life in many parts of Syria. It is not just confined to one area; it is throughout the country.