Campaign for release of abducted women in Sweida, accountability 

Amid escalating violations targeting civilians in Sweida, the issue of abducted women has emerged as one of the most heinous crimes, sparking a wave of public and international outrage. In this context, activists in Sweida initiated a campaign under the slogan “Stand Against Women’s Kidding”, calling for accountability for those involved.

According to UN reports, the fate of around 80 Druze women and young girls remains unknown out of 105 documented cases of abduction since the events began. Testimonies from the families of those released revealed dire humanitarian conditions, with many women unable to return home due to ongoing threats to their lives and safety.

The abductions began on July 14, coinciding with the attack on Sweida, when videos emerged showing women being forcibly taken from their homes, some of which were broadcast live through media outlets.

These practices did not end there but continued sporadically in the following weeks, the most recent incident occurring just days ago when a bus carrying women and children was abducted in rural Daraa, igniting a fresh wave of outrage.

Activists warn that these crimes may be used as a tool of political blackmail, with testimonies indicating that groups affiliated with the transitional government are exploiting the women’s fate as a bargaining chip in exchange for the release of missing fighters.

According to human rights experts, the case constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit targeting or detaining civilians, and may amount to “war crimes” requiring accountability.

Campaign activists stress that “the abducted women are not a negotiating card, but a matter of human dignity and inalienable rights that cannot be compromised.” They call for urgent international intervention to secure their immediate release and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

A-H 

ANHA