AFRIN – Afrin-Syrian Human Rights Organization members made a statement regarding the systematic crimes against women in occupied Afrin. Members of the organization and representatives of non-governmental organizations attended the statement made in the Serdem Camp, where immigrants from Afrin are located.
“After the invading Turkish state and its Syrian armed gang groups occupied the Afrin region, they committed all kinds of crimes, such as kidnapping and torture, especially women from Afrin, who have proven their equality in all aspects of life,” read a statement read by organization member Heyhan Elî.
The statement continued:
“One of the main purposes of the crimes of killing and extermination by the invading Turkish state and its armed gangs is to put women in a tight corner and ignore them. Although they claim democracy and equality, there is nothing on the ground except the crimes against Afrin women. At no time in history, including the Mongols and Tatars, have been murdered, kidnapped, tortured or sexually assaulted like these crimes committed by the Turkish state. According to Articles 6-7-8 of the Basic Treaty of Rome, these crimes and violations fall under the category of war crimes and inhumane practices.
Despite many international laws, children are subjected to all kinds of torture. Despite all international laws, the Turkish state continues its crimes against women and children.”
The Human Rights Organization listed the crimes and violations documented by the Turkish state since the day it invaded Afrin:
- Kidnapping: More than a thousand women have been abducted and the fate of many is unknown.
- Murder: 99 women were murdered. Nine of these women committed suicide under unknown circumstances.
- Sexual violence and rape: 74 women.”
The statement also stated:
“Beyond that, there is the reality of child marriage under pressure and coercion.
We, women human rights activists, call on all international law, humanitarian and women’s organizations to stand up for their moral duties and laws against crimes against all citizens in the occupied territories, from northern Syria to northeastern Syria. The perpetrators of crimes, especially against women and children, should be punished, the invading Turkish state should be pressured to withdraw from all lands it occupies, and an environment for the return of immigrants to their own lands should be created. Victims should be provided with material and moral support.”
