Amnesty International Urges Syria to Investigate Abductions of Alawite Women and Girls
Amnesty International (AI) has called on Syrian authorities to conduct “urgent and thorough” investigations into the abductions of women and girls from the Alawite minority in various regions, reports 24brussels. The organization highlights the growing concern following the reported kidnappings.
AI Secretary General Agnès Callamard stated, “The authorities in Syria have repeatedly promised to build a Syria for all Syrians, yet they are failing to stop abductions and kidnappings of women and girls, to prevent physical abuse, forced marriage and likely trafficking in persons.” She emphasized the impact of these abductions on the Alawite community, which has been significantly shaken by these events.
Since February 2025, AI has documented at least eight abductions of Alawite women and girls, with credible reports of an additional 28 cases in provinces including Latakia, Tartus, Homs, and Hama. The ages of the victims range from as young as 3 to as old as 40, and most were taken in broad daylight, with only two having been released to date.
Testimonies collected indicate that families notified authorities about the abductions, yet effective investigations were not conducted, and families often received no updates. AI reported that authorities dismissed family evidence and blamed them for permitting their daughters to go out alone.
In three confirmed cases, victims were reportedly forced to marry their captors. The kidnappers, who are believed to be male, contacted families from phone numbers traced to Syria, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. Ransom demands between $10,000 and $14,000 were made in two instances, but only one payment occurred, and the victim was not released.
AI criticized the investigative committee set up by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa for claiming that no reports of abductions had been received, which contradicts documented evidence from the NGO as well as testimonies from families, journalists, and activists.
