Message to HRC on Turkey, its mercenaries' violations against women

The Sara Organization for Combating Violence Against Women sent an email to the United Nations Human Rights Council, urgently calling for the cessation of violations by the Turkish occupying state and its mercenaries against women in the North and East Syria region.

The text of the message sent to the Council is as follows:

To: The Honorable President and Members of the United Nations Human Rights Council

Subject: Urgent Appeal to Stop Violations and Forced Displacement of Women in NE Syria

Dear Mr. Omar Zniber, President of the Human Rights Council, esteemed members of the Council.

We address this message to you on behalf of the Sara Organization for Combating Violence Against Women, a civil women's organization established on July 1, 2013. The organization works against all forms of violence and discrimination against women, guided by international treaties and charters, especially the Universal Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

We raise this urgent appeal for immediate intervention to end the grave violations faced by women in NE Syria, particularly in the regions of Afrin, Tal Rifaat, Shahba (Northern Aleppo countryside), and Manbij. Reports from these areas reflect a catastrophic situation that requires the international community to take serious and effective action.

Humanitarian and Human Rights Situation:

1. Ongoing forced displacement: Women face widespread forced displacement as a result of military operations, being forced to leave their homes and face inhumane living conditions that undermine human dignity.

2. Systematic violence: Women in these areas are subjected to physical and psychological violence, including arbitrary arrests, harassment, and mistreatment, in gross violation of international laws that protect civilians in times of conflict.

3. Deprivation of basic services: Women suffer from the lack of healthcare and education, exacerbating their suffering, especially mothers and pregnant women, threatening their safety, health, and the future of their children.

4. Lack of security and justice: The security chaos and absence of legal institutions prevent women from receiving any protection or achieving justice in the face of perpetrators.

These violations constitute a blatant breach of international humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, and United Nations resolutions such as Security Council Resolution 1325, which emphasizes the protection of women in conflicts and ensures their participation in peacebuilding.

Our demands to your esteemed Council:

1. Conduct an urgent, independent international investigation into the violations committed against women in these areas, ensuring accountability for the perpetrators.

2. Ensure the protection of civilians, especially women, and halt forced displacement operations, guaranteeing the safe and dignified return of the displaced.

3. Provide urgent and comprehensive humanitarian assistance to affected women, including healthcare and psychological and social support.

4. Strengthen women's participation in peace processes and decision-making, ensuring the respect of their rights and empowerment in all fields.

We call on the Human Rights Council to uphold its ethical and legal responsibility toward the affected women in these areas. The international community's silence in the face of these serious violations encourages their continuation and undermines efforts for peace and justice.

We hope for your urgent action to end the suffering of women and achieve the desired justice.

With the utmost respect and appreciation,

Sara Organization for Combating Violence Against Women

Email: [email protected]”.

A-H

ANHA