Amnesty International has issued a strong call to the Syrian government to address the alarming issue of abductions involving Alawite women and girls. These kidnappings, which have been occurring across various governorates including Latakia, Tartous, Homs, and Hama since February 2025, involve victims being forcibly taken, sometimes in broad daylight, with several cases involving underage girls.

Agnès Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International, emphasized the urgent need for Syrian authorities to "act swiftly and transparently" to locate the missing individuals, apprehend the perpetrators, and provide crucial support and information to the families of the victims. The call highlights a broader concern about gender-based violence within the region and the lack of adequate response from the local authorities.

The report from Amnesty International details how these abductions have instilled widespread fear among the Alawite community, particularly affecting women's and girls’ sense of security. Many now hesitate to leave their homes for everyday activities such as attending school or work. In some reported cases, abducted women and girls have been forced to contact their families to request divorces, suggesting coercion into forced marriages or other exploitative situations.

Furthermore, Amnesty International raised concerns about the severe implications of forced marriages, which not only violate human rights but also expose victims to further abuse including sexual violence and physical mistreatment. The organization cited international law and decisions by the UN and the International Criminal Court (ICC), reinforcing that forced marriage constitutes a crime against humanity and a breach of individual rights to freely choose a spouse.

The global watchdog has underscored the legal obligations of the Syrian government to combat gender-based violence and ensure justice for the victims of these heinous acts. The call for action is not just a demand for justice for the affected individuals but also a plea for systemic change to protect vulnerable populations from such atrocities in the future.

The urgency of Amnesty’s appeal highlights the need for immediate and impactful actions by Syrian authorities to address these violations and to safeguard the rights and dignities of all its citizens, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized groups within its borders.