Title: Shocking Report Reveals Disturbing Crimes Against Women in Occupied Afrin, Syria
According to a recent report, the Human Rights Organization Afrin-Syria has exposed a horrifying trend of violence against women in the occupied region of Afrin, Syria. Since 2018, at least 99 women have tragically lost their lives, 74 have been subjected to sexual assault and rape, and over a thousand have fallen victim to kidnappings.
Speaking from the Serdem Camp in Shehba Canton, Heyhan Elî from the Human Rights Organization Afrin-Syria emphasized the severity of these crimes committed by the Turkish state and their allied armed mercenary groups. Elî stressed that the objective behind these heinous acts is to marginalize and silence women, perpetuating their suffering and ignoring their rights.
The statement by the organization calls attention to the unprecedented scale of these crimes, surpassing even the atrocities witnessed during the wars of the Mongols and the Tatars. Citing the Rome Statute, the statement emphasizes that these acts clearly constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite international laws in place, the women and children of Afrin continue to endure unimaginable torture and abuse.
The Human Rights Organization Afrin-Syria compiled a list of violations and crimes committed since the Turkish invasion of Afrin in 2018, revealing the devastating impact on the lives of women:
– Over a thousand women have been kidnapped, leaving many of their whereabouts unknown.
– 99 women have been brutally murdered, with nine reported suicides under suspicious circumstances.
– 74 women have been subjected to the horrors of sexual assault and rape.
The organization also highlighted cases of forced marriage and underage marriages, often driven by pressure and coercion.
In a heartfelt appeal to global human rights, humanitarian, and feminist organizations, the women’s rights activists urge them to fulfill their moral and legal obligations by addressing the crimes perpetrated against the entire population in the occupied regions of North-East Syria. They call for justice to be served, with particular emphasis on the perpetrators of crimes against women and children. Furthermore, they urge international pressure on the Turkish state to withdraw its troops from occupied territories. It is crucial to facilitate the safe return of displaced individuals to their lands while providing comprehensive support to the victims.
The shocking report sheds light on the human rights crisis faced by women in occupied Afrin, Syria. The urgency to address these crimes cannot be overstated, and immediate actions are required to put an end to the horrific suffering endured by these women. By standing together, the international community can make a resounding statement against such abuses and uphold justice for the victims in Afrin.
