Amnesty International has raised urgent concerns regarding the abductions and kidnappings of Alawite women and girls in Syria, urging authorities to take immediate action. Secretary General Agnès Callamard emphasized the need for swift and transparent investigations, aiming to bring perpetrators to justice and provide support to the affected families. This call follows reports of around 36 women and girls abducted since February 2025 in regions including Latakia, Tartous, Homs, and Hama. The abductions have instilled fear in many from the Alawite community, leading to heightened caution in daily activities.
Among the reported cases, several victims have reached out to their families requesting divorces. Amnesty International has highlighted instances of forced marriages and coerced divorces, exacerbating the distress of the victims and their families. The organization has noted that these women are often subjected to further abuse, including sexual violence and physical mistreatment, underscoring forced marriage as a grave human rights violation. The International Criminal Court has recognized forced marriage as a potential crime against humanity under the Rome Statute, drawing parallels with cases like those during the Ugandan civil war where forced marriages were weaponized against young girls and women.
The United Nations General Assembly and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have previously stated that forced marriage contravenes international law, requiring mutual consent from spouses. Despite these international frameworks, the response from Syrian authorities has been criticized as inadequate. Agnes Callamard has called for the cessation of gender-based violence and the implementation of effective investigations into these troubling incidents, urging adherence to legal obligations under international law.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International continues to advocate for global attention to these issues, emphasizing the urgent need for action to safeguard the rights of women and girls and provide justice for those affected. The international community’s response remains crucial in pressuring Syrian authorities to fulfill their obligations toward ending such violations and ensuring accountability for those responsible.