UN human rights experts expressed deep concern on Thursday over continuing violence against the Druze population in the Sweida region of Syria.

Since the outbreak of fighting in mid-July, the UN experts said they have received reports of “killings, enforced disappearances, abductions, looting, destruction of property, and sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls.” The experts especially emphasized the prevalence of gender-based violence, reporting that an estimated 105 Druze women and girls have been abducted by armed groups in connection with the Syrian interim authorities.

The continuing violence against Druze communities has prompted the experts to call for independent investigations:

These reported violations expose an apparent systemic failure to protect minorities and address gender-based violence, with no thorough, independent and impartial investigations into extrajudicial killings, torture or abductions… Reports that the interim authorities’ forces aided attacks have entrenched impunity and fear, silencing victims’ families and obstructing efforts to locate the disappeared.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, has emphasized the importance of local civil society organizations in assisting displaced populations in Syria and underlined that “their efforts deserve recognition and sustained resources to expand their reach and impact.”

The armed clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups in Sweida were triggered by an attack on a Druze merchant by Bedouin tribespeople on July 13. In response to the continuing violence, protestors have gathered in Sweida demanding the self-determination of the Druze people in July and August. Protestors have faced attacks because of their activism. Recently, in a presidential statement, the UN Security Council sounded the alarm over the violence in Sweida region, and urged that all parties respect the ceasefire arrangement.