Orgs. submit a complaint to the rapporteur on violence against women

The signatory organizations drew the attention of the United Nations Special Rapporteur to the “failure of the Turkish authorities to fulfill their obligations under international law to prevent, investigate and prosecute acts of violence against women.”

In its 9-page complaint, it documented the crimes of violence committed against women in the occupied areas, where some of these organizations met with women who were subjected to rape and violence by the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries.

According to the complaint, between October 2020 and September 2021, civil society organizations found that “54 women and girls in the Afrin region reported being arrested.” it pointed out that "women in detention are subjected to various forms of torture and ill-treatment practiced against them, based on their gender."

The complaint, which we received a copy of, stated, "The violations and abuses committed by the armed groups controlled by Turkey in the occupied areas of northern Syria were addressed by many parties, including the various United Nations bodies," adding, "Acts that represent various forms of violence are committed." As a result of the rape and other acts of sexual violence committed repeatedly and directed by the Syrian National Army against women and girls in Tal Abyad, many families have chosen not to return to their homes.”

It also indicated that the undersigned organizations would like to address the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, in response to its call for contributions during its visit to Turkey scheduled for July 18-27, 2022.

The signatory organizations to the complaint are (Ezdina, the Kurdish Institute for Peace, the Women Peace Leaders Network, Peel - Civil Waves, Sara Organization to Combat Violence against Women, the Serêkaniyê / Ras al-Ain platform, the Shawshka Association for Women, the Synergy Association for Victims in Northeast Syria, and Syrians for Truth and Justice, and a Platform of Wheat and Olives).

It is noteworthy that the current rapporteur is Reem Al-Salem (from Jordan), who has been the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences since August 2021.

T/S

ANHA