Preventing and addressing violence and atrocities against minorities 2014, para. 47
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In a context of armed conflict, the dynamics and evolution of the conflict may create a situation of extreme vulnerability of minorities, even for those not directly party to it, as has been the case in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic, where it resulted in targeted killing, mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis. Civilian populations frequently bear the greatest cost of conflict and minority civilians may be particularly vulnerable. In some cases, men may join or be forcibly recruited into armed factions or flee attacks, while women are left as heads of household, taking care of family members and property.