UN experts have voiced deep concern regarding the ongoing violence against the Druze population in Syria’s Sweida region. This comes amid reports of crimes such as killings, enforced disappearances, abductions, and the destruction of property. Particularly alarming is the gender-based violence targeted against women and girls, with an estimated 105 Druze females reportedly abducted by armed groups linked to Syrian interim authorities. The experts emphasize the systemic failure to protect minorities and address these violations, which continue without thorough, independent investigations.
The treatment of the Druze communities has prompted calls for independent investigations into these actions, revealing a lack of accountability and increasing fear among the population. The experts state that allegations of interim authorities’ forces participating in these attacks have entrenched impunity, silencing victims’ families and obstructing efforts to trace the missing. This highlights a significant impasse in efforts to locate the disappeared and prosecute perpetrators.
Adam Abdelmoula, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, highlighted the critical role played by local civil society organizations in supporting displaced populations and emphasized the need for their efforts to be recognized and adequately resourced. Local entities are seen as pivotal in alleviating the situation on the ground by providing essential services and advocacy for affected communities.
The dynamic of conflict in Sweida has further been aggravated by escalating armed confrontations between the Druze and Bedouin tribes, reportedly stemming from an attack on a Druze merchant by Bedouin tribespeople in mid-July. Following these incidents, protests erupted with demands for the Druze people’s self-determination, leading to more violence. Despite these protests, demonstrators have faced further attacks, underscoring the volatile situation in the region.
Amid these developments, the UN Security Council has expressed serious alarm over the violence and urged for a ceasefire in Sweida. In a recent presidential statement, the Council called for immediate efforts to halt hostilities, underscoring the urgent need for peace and stability in the area.
For more details on the situation in the Sweida region, see the comprehensive coverage by JURIST.