Syrian Network for Human Rights report reveals plight of detained women in Syria

THE HAGUE — The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) released a report shedding light on the challenges faced by Syrian women, both during their arrests and after their release.

The SNHR report disclosed that since the onset of the conflict until the end of 2023, 10,200 women remain either under arrest or subjected to enforced disappearance by conflicting parties. It documented the deaths of 115 women, attributed to torture inflicted by these parties since 2011.

According to the report, the Syrian regime bears responsibility for at least 83% of the cases of arrests and enforced disappearances, with armed factions ranking second in the detention of women.

Furthermore, the SNHR report exposed over 10,000 incidents of sexual violence against women, with Syrian regime forces accounting for 75%, followed by the Islamic State (ISIS), and Turkish-backed armed factions.

Even after their release from detention centers, the ordeal of arbitrary detention persists for these women, extending beyond their physical release. They continue to face multiple violations, including security restrictions and forced displacement, as highlighted by the SNHR.

The report urges the international community and the United Nations Security Council to exert pressure on all parties to the conflict and dominant forces in Syria to release arbitrarily detained and forcibly disappeared women. Additionally, it calls for ensuring their special needs, particularly in terms of protection.