Statement by the Women’s Advisory Board of Syria on the humanitarian crisis in Sweida
The Women’s Advisory Board of Syria, a body established by the United Nations to advise on the Syrian peace process and which includes a representative from Kongra Star, has issued an appeal to the international community for support for the people of Sweida. Kongra Star fully endorses and reaffirms this appeal.
The humanitarian situation in the Sweida region is deeply alarming. In addition to hundreds of deaths, displacement and severe shortages of basic necessities continue to worsen. Therefore, alongside the urgent cessation of massacres and all violence, the protection of civilians, and accountability for those responsible for these crimes, safeguarding and delivering humanitarian assistance to the affected population and refugees remains a critical priority.
The call for the opening of a humanitarian corridor to NES territories, initiated by the Druze Spiritual Leadership on July 17, is reiterated in this statement and has also received support from the Democratic Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). We condemn every form of sectarian violence, and we affirm that collaboration and solidarity among Syria’s diverse communities constitute the foundation for a democratic and decentralized Syria, essential to the establishment of lasting peace.
Based on our firm belief in the role of women in peacebuilding and out of concern for protecting civilians—men, women, and children—from the effects of the Syrian armed conflict, and in line with the principles of international humanitarian law, the Women’s Advisory Board issues an urgent appeal for immediate action to address the humanitarian situation in As-Suwayda Governorate and its countryside, which has dangerously worsened since July 13, 2025.
According to United Nations reports, in recent days the governorate has witnessed the displacement of tens of thousands of residents, including more than 20,000 people in a single day, amid an almost complete breakdown in basic services such as electricity, water, communications, medical services, and food. In addition, there is a severe shortage of transportation and fuel, disrupting evacuation efforts and urgent humanitarian services.
Field reports and local civil initiatives inside As-Suwayda indicate that most hospitals and health centers are suffering from acute shortages in medical supplies and essential materials for operating life-saving equipment, amid limited access to energy and mobility due to the security situation.
Accordingly, the Women’s Advisory Board appeals to the Syrian transitional government and all relevant official institutions to urgently take the following measures:
- Immediate cessation of hostilities in As-Suwayda Governorate and its countryside to spare the blood of Syrians and prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
- Protection of civilians—men and women—from all parties, ensuring they are not subjected to direct or indirect targeting, with special attention to children, women, the elderly, and without discrimination among the governorate’s communities including Druze, Christians, and Sunnis.
- Opening of a secure humanitarian corridor to deliver humanitarian, medical, and food aid to cities and rural areas of As-Suwayda, in coordination with the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, and in cooperation with international and national humanitarian organizations.
- Immediate facilitation of access to drinking water and communication services, which are of critical importance in saving lives and supporting communities’ self-relief efforts.
- Provision of protection to civilians—men and women—who are kidnapped, detained, or unable to leave areas of conflict, and guarantee they are not subjected to any retaliatory acts or discrimination based on political affiliation or identity.
- Allow access to independent local and international media to document the humanitarian situation and convey the voices of residents to public opinion, as part of the principle of transparency and holding the international community accountable.
- Immediate and firm accountability for any individual or entity proven to be involved in promoting hate speech or sectarian incitement, including the establishment of a transparent and independent investigation mechanism in coordination with the National Transitional Justice Authority to review complaints related to these violations.
This appeal is raised in the name of Syrian women from various affiliations and backgrounds, and in the name of all those suffering today from oppression, fear, and helplessness, in the hope that this call will find attentive ears and a responsible will to save what remains of hope in our wounded southern Syria.
Damascus – July 19, 2025
Women’s Advisory Board of Syria
