Jordanian Writer calls for accountability over violence against Syrian women

The situation of women in Syria remains fragile amid rising levels of violence directed against them and the absence of effective legislation that guarantees their protection and deters perpetrators. In recent months, incidents have also been reported in which women were targeted for sectarian reasons.

Among the most notable violations were abuses against Kurdish women in the towns of Tal Hasel and Tal Aran in eastern rural Aleppo. According to reports, they were subjected to humiliation and ill-treatment by members of the General Security forces affiliated with the interim government during a campaign of arrests targeting several Kurdish young men, despite the absence of legal warrants.

In a related development, statistics indicate that violence against women and children in Syria continued during the first half of 2026. A total of 276 people were documented killed, including 92 women and 184 children.

According to figures released by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, January recorded the highest number of victims among women and children, with 33 women and 39 children killed, making it the deadliest month for these groups during the documented period.

Commenting on these developments, Jordanian writer Asala Abu Obeida said that reports documenting violence and humiliation against women in all its forms are a major source of fear and concern, particularly given the enormous burdens Syrian women have endured throughout the years of war.

She stressed, "Syrian women have suffered hardships, pain, and oppression unlike any other. After all these sacrifices, they have the right to live in safety and dignity."

Abu Obeida called for independent and transparent investigations into all cases of violence against women to ensure the truth is revealed and those responsible are held accountable without delay. She warned that the consequences of such violations extend beyond women themselves, affecting society as a whole by weakening confidence in state institutions and the rule of law.

"These violations do not only affect women," she said. "They also undermine society's trust in state institutions and the rule of law, because violence against women can eventually lead to violence against children and others."

She noted that any violation of civilians' rights leaves deep scars on the social fabric and emphasized that transparency and accountability are essential to protecting society and restoring public confidence. Violence against women, particularly when committed by those entrusted with enforcing the law, leaves long-lasting psychological and social consequences that affect families and communities for years.

Abu Obeida described abuses committed by law enforcement officials against women as "a catastrophe," saying they are capable of severely damaging citizens' trust in the state. She stressed that such cases must be handled through transparent and fair legal procedures, as public confidence in institutions depends on justice and accountability without bias.

She attributed the continuation of violence against women in Syria to the lingering effects of years of war and conflict, worsening economic and social conditions, limited awareness of women's rights, weak legal protections, failures in addressing violations when they occur, and a decline in moral and religious values that should serve as a foundation in such matters.

She explained that addressing the problem requires legal reforms, greater public awareness, and stronger institutions to protect all citizens. She added that impunity fuels ongoing violence against women, especially in the absence of fair and transparent legal accountability.

"Applying the law equally to everyone, without exception, is one of the most important safeguards for protecting rights, whether those of women or any other segment of society," she said.

On the guarantees that should be included in any future political or constitutional process, Abu Obeida stressed that a successful political framework must ensure equality before the law, protect human dignity, criminalize all forms of violence, and guarantee women's access to justice as well as their participation in public life and decision-making.

She concluded by emphasizing that the primary guarantee for protecting rights is the existence of an independent judiciary and clear mechanisms for accountability.

ANHA