Abstract
Since 2011, Syria has faced protests, upheaval, and civil war. During this long crisis, both state and non-state actors have continuously attempted to exploit the situation to further their own interests. Since then, the civil war that resulted has led to widespread destruction, mass casualties, and extensive suffering among non-combatants who continue to live under daily threats related to the conflict. This paper examines the current conflict in Syria using news reports and documentaries with an aim to analyze how treaties and conventions of international law are being ignored on the ground regarding the protection of civilians. In the process of doing so, this paper will present evident violations committed by the combatants of state and non-state forces. In addition, the strategic interests of international actors are discussed to the degree they present hurdles for the implementation of the protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law. Moreover, it will demonstrate how international institutions have been unable to alleviate the suffering of the local population. We conclude with an examination of the role of international institutions and international actors in terms of their efforts to resolve the crisis.