NORŞAN ABDÎ

 Kobanê – Children in the southern Syrian city of Sweida have been subjected to serious rights violations due to the blockage of the armed groups supported by the Syrian interim government. Their rights to health, education and safety have been violated since July 13, 2025.

Rights violations against children in Sweida are the violation of human rights and international conventions on the rights of children, said Fatima Bozan, head of the Child Protection Office of the Women's Commission in Kobanê, a city in the Euphrates Canton of North and East Syria.

‘Women and children suffer the most’

The ongoing war and crisis in Syria have deeply affected all segments of society, Fatima Bozan said, “Especially women and children suffer from the war and crisis the most. Children in Sweida live in fear and suffer from trauma and they are deprived of basic needs.”

Since July 13, 2025, many footage showing rights violations committed in Sweida have been published on social media platforms. “The footages have documented rights violations such as torture, abduction and forced displacement of women and children in Sweida,” said Fatima Bozan. “The Druze community is not alone. As North and East Syrian women, we are in solidarity with them. Children in Sweida have been deprived of their rights to health, education and safety. Their family members are killed in front of them. This is a war crime. Children must face the brunt of war; safe spaces and psychological support should be provided to them.”

‘A democratic solution is a must’

Fatima Bozan believes that a permanent solution will not be possible for Syria unless a free, democratic and decentralized system embracing all ethnic and religious groups in Syria is built. “The system implemented in North and East Syria, aiming at building a democratic society, protects women and children. In North and East Syria, children grow up in a safe environment thanks to the Autonomous Administration.”

Call on the international community

Fatima Bozan called on all international organizations protecting children’s rights to take concrete steps for the children in war-torn regions, especially in Sweida.

‘The international community must protect the children facing rights violations committed by the interim government in Syria. International organizations must no longer just monitor the rights violations but must take responsibility.”