Unshakable Sounds: Syrian Women’s Struggle for Rights and Accountability

Overview:

This event is dedicated to bringing attention to the hardships faced by Syrian women during the conflict in Syria. They have suffered from severe injustices, including being killed, imprisoned, and subjected to sexual violence. Highlights of the event include unveiling a new report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which explores the effects of these injustices on women, their strength in adversity, what kind of help they need, and how the global community can assist. The event will also feature a special exhibition of portraits focusing on women who have gone missing to underline the ongoing problem of enforced disappearances in Syria and how it affects the return of refugees.

Focus Questions:

• > How did the systematic human rights violations; including killing, arrest, and sexual violence, affect women’s lives in Syria? What does the horrifying scope of those violations tell us about the nature of the armed conflict and its implications on the future of women in Syria? 
• > How did some women in Syria manage to stay steadfast, overcome the challenges they faced, and even achieve considerable success? 
• > What are the measures needed to support survivor women, especially in terms of treating the long-term effects of sexual violence and the traumas induced by detention and enforced disappearance? 
• > How can the international community, including organizations and governments, effectively respond to the violations against women in Syria? What role can the international community play to prevent more violations? 
• > In light of the conclusive evidence on the violations committed against women primarily by Syrian regime forces and other parties as well, what steps can be taken to bring about accountability for these violations? 
• > As we look into the future, what are the prospects of protecting and promoting women’s rights in Syria? How can local and international efforts create a safer and more just environment for Syrian women? 

Speakers:

Moderator: Razan Brghol – Head of Program, Baytna

Marie Forestier – Senior Syria Advisor, European Institute of Peace (EIP)  

Kathryne Bomberger – Director-General, International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) 

Nicole Chayaa – Gender Focal Point at the Civil Society and Technical Cooperation Unit, OHCHR 

Alaa Aljizawi – Syrian woman activist and arrest & enforced disappearance survivor 

Fadel Abdulghany – Executive Director, Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR)