The organizations signed on this statement call on the parties to the conflict in east Syria to stop the clashes and mutual shelling on the banks of the Euphrates in Deir ez zor, and call on international supporters of the parties to the conflict, the Global Coalition to fight ISIS and Russian forces, to put pressure on their allies to reach an understanding that restores stability in the region.
the statement
Since August 7th, fighting in populated areas of Deir ez-Zor has killed more than 100 people, mostly civilians, including children and women.
The military escalation began when government forces and their armed groups or pro-Iranian groups shelled residential areas on the east bank of Euphrates river, killing civilians, mostly children and women.
During 13 years of war, Deir ez zor region and its countryside witnessed the scourge of war, numerous violations and mass massacres, most notably the killing of hundreds of members of the Shu ‘itat tribe and other tribes by ISIS in 2014.
The failure of broker efforts to reach a clear long-term settlement until a comprehensive Syrian solution presents the prospect of renewed shelling after relative calm over the past few days.
Syrian women, mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, have endured countless forms of adversity, burdens and suffering during the Syrian conflict, as women and children are always the victims of conflict and violations.
Furthermore, the pain, absence or injury of beloved ones has had a profound impact on families’ lives, with women often enduring the repercussions of loss of breadwinners, displacement and worsening living conditions.
Given the complexities of the conflict in Syria and the production of further religious, sectarian, ethnic and political divisions throughout the country, the importance of women’s participation in advocacy for peace and understanding can be seen in political forums, conferences and programs.
We, in women’s organizations or civil and human rights activists, stand in solidarity with mothers in Deir ez zor and call for their voices to be raised in the face of war and for communities and populated areas to be neutralized from military conflicts.
Until a sustainable understanding is obtained, the military actors that have transformed inhabited towns and villages to a battlefield shall abide by the principle of distinction between civilian objects and military objectives, in accordance with international humanitarian law,
The signatory organizations, on behalf of the mothers in Deir ez zor and in areas in north and east of Syria, also call on the communities in north and east Syria to make efforts to save the daughters and sons of Deir ez-Zor.
Political actors close to the various military parties are called upon to show awareness and give up hostile and hateful rhetoric, in order to stop fighting among cousins and not to be drawn into endless regional and global conflicts.
We appeal to the United Nations to do everything possible to halt the escalation in east Syria, to ensure conducive conditions for a safe return of internally displaced families to their homes and to document evidence against those who used weapons at civilian homes in the villages in general and ‘Dahla’ in particular.
We, the organizations concerned with women’s rights and the operationalization of their roles in peace and conflict relief, recall Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.
We call on international organizations to support the humanitarian and health response to meet the needs and secure the return of displaced people and survivors, and to compensate families for their damaged houses and property, particularly in neighborhoods adjacent to the Euphrates River.
The undersigned organizations:
- Sphere for Development
- Zorna development organization
- DARl
- Synergy
- Together for Jarnyia organization
- Demos
- al-Ghaith development organiztion
- Restore Hope Association
- Tree of Life
- Development Seed Centre
- Zameen for Development and Peacebuilding
- SMART \ZIREK
- Cooperation for Building and Change
- Rahma Orgnaization for Studies and Development
- New Future Makers Team
- Amal al-Furat.org
- Tayif Humanitarian Organization
- Accountability Advocates Organization
- Reng for development
- Ashna for Development Organization
- Stability Support Center
- Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights
- Okaz
- Lotus association
- Roj Kar for Relief and Development
