UN experts warn of sectarian violence against Druze in Sweida

The experts reported that the violence has included killings, enforced disappearances, abductions, looting, property destruction, as well as sexual and gender-based violence against women.

The sectarian clashes have escalated into a widespread wave of violence, resulting in approximately 1,000 deaths, including 539 identified Druze civilians, among them 39 women and 21 children. In addition, 196 summary executions were carried out, including eight children and 30 women, and more than 33 villages were burned.

Experts emphasized that the scale of the violence—including massacres, looting of homes, shops, and livestock—indicates a deliberate campaign against the Druze, fueled by media and social media campaigns portraying them as allies of Israel. Survivors, including university students in Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, and Latakia, continue to face harassment and live in constant fear for their lives.

Reports indicate that around 105 Druze women and girls were abducted by armed groups linked to the transitional government, with 80 still missing. Some have reportedly been subjected to sexual assault and execution. Meanwhile, 763 individuals remain unaccounted for, including women, with independent and thorough investigations into executions, torture, and abductions yet to be conducted.

The experts urged transitional authorities to ensure humanitarian aid reaches displaced populations, conduct urgent and independent investigations to hold perpetrators accountable, protect all communities—including the Druze—halt incitement to violence, and secure safe returns or sustainable solutions for the displaced.

They stressed the need to uphold fundamental rights to life, liberty, and security, protect women from torture and execution, and address the conditions that foster terrorism to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.

a.k

ANHA