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UN Experts Condemn Systematic Abduction and Violence Against Alawite Women and Girls in Syria
United Nations experts have expressed deep concern over alarming reports of severe violations targeting women and girls—particularly from the Alawite community—in several regions across the Syrian Arab Republic since February 2025.
The experts confirmed receiving information on the abduction of 38 Alawite women and girls from various provinces, including Latakia, Tartous, Hama, Homs, Damascus, and Aleppo, between March and July of this year. Reports indicate that the victims, aged between 3 and 40 years old, were abducted in broad daylight while traveling to school, visiting relatives, or even inside their homes. In several cases, their families were threatened to prevent them from filing complaints or speaking publicly about the incidents.
The experts warned that the recurring pattern of violations—including gender-based violence, threats, forced child marriages, and the Syrian Interim Government's apparent failure to respond—points to a coordinated campaign specifically targeting Alawite women and girls based on intersecting identities.
They also expressed concern over disturbing testimonies from some victims who reported being drugged and physically assaulted during captivity. While the lack of survivor-centered and safe reporting mechanisms hampers verification of sexual violence, the experts stressed that such abuse cannot be ruled out. Reports of forced child marriages were described as particularly troubling.
The experts criticized the interim government’s failure to conduct transparent and impartial investigations, as well as its refusal in some instances to register complaints or acknowledge families’ concerns. They warned that such negligence not only exacerbates the trauma of victims and their families but also fosters a climate of impunity.
“These cases reflect a broader pattern of systematic violence against women and girls in Syria, exacerbated by insecurity, social fragmentation, and the erosion of rule-of-law institutions,” the experts stated.
Reports also indicated the involvement of security actors or individuals affiliated with institutions of the Syrian Interim Government in several of the violations. The experts called on authorities to meet their international obligations to protect women and girls from violence, ensure access to justice and effective remedies, and provide necessary psychological and social support—especially for those from minority communities.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the experts urged the Syrian Interim Government to carry out immediate, independent, and thorough investigations into all allegations, prosecute perpetrators, and guarantee the safety and dignity of survivors.
They also called for the establishment of gender-sensitive and safe reporting mechanisms, the appointment of female investigators, and the restoration of public trust in the justice system. “All women and girls—including those from religious and ethnic minorities—have the right to live in safety and dignity,” they stressed.
The experts concluded by referencing a recent attack in Suwayda Governorate, where dozens of civilians from the Druze community, including two women and two children, were killed by unidentified gunmen. They highlighted the urgent need to protect minorities from the ongoing escalation of sectarian violence in the country.
They noted that they are currently engaging with the Syrian Interim Government regarding these serious issues.
