The increasing violence in Syria, particularly targeting the Alawite communities, raises concerns about the deepening human rights violations.
Democratic mass organizations have mobilized to urge the UN Security Council and human rights organizations for immediate intervention. In Syria, where open warfare has been replaced by threats of terrorism and genocide, the inability of the Alawite communities to defend themselves independently and the calls for violence from Salafi groups are further threatening the stability of the region.
The federations, with the support of the international community, demand the protection of Alawites and the cessation of violence, emphasizing that the world’s silence is leading to the loss of more human lives. The joint statement expressed that the international community must act together to ensure a peaceful and just future for Syria.
The full text of the statement is as follows:
UNITED NATIONS MUST ACT URGENTLY TO STOP THE ALEVI MASSACRE IN SYRIA!
Today, the escalating violence in Syria imposes urgent human rights responsibilities upon us. Concerns are growing that open warfare has been replaced by terror, crimes against humanity, and the threat of genocide. The multifaceted nature of the war has resulted in a post-war environment of chaos, dashing any hopes for stability and peace. This ongoing instability has also paved the way for the continuation of war under the guise of disorder.
For communities that neither rely on their own armed forces nor seek protection from regional powers, this new phase is leading to an increase in violence. Every day, we are confronted with new reports of brutal acts against vulnerable and defenseless groups.
Among the most fragile and targeted communities in this new wave of violence are Christian groups, Druze, Ismailis, and Arab Alevis. While Christian communities in Syria anxiously await their fate, Alevi communities, unlike some other groups, have refrained from organizing independent armed defense, placing their hopes in democratic mechanisms. This has made them an open and easy target. Furthermore, Salafi religious leaders are openly calling for violence against Alevis.
The exclusion of Alevis from the founding forces of the “New Syria” has resulted in systematic violence, including abductions, torture, murders, and mass executions. This escalating devastation has only deepened fear and anxiety among Alevi communities. The increasing and repeated instances of violence have reached the level of crimes against humanity, sparking legitimate fears of future massacres, forced migration, resettlement, and assimilation policies.
As democratic mass organizations with hundreds of thousands of members, we have initiated the necessary applications to mobilize the relevant bodies of the United Nations.
First and foremost, we call on the UN Security Council, the Special Rapporteur on Syria, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to take immediate steps to end these ever-increasing crimes against humanity. We demand urgent preparations and the necessary measures to intervene without delay.
We also appeal to national and international public opinion to support the protection of human life and the right to life of the Alevis – one of Syria’s indigenous and largest communities – who are under the threat of escalating violence. We emphasize that silence in the face of this rising brutality will only lead to further loss of innocent lives. It is imperative that we all take a stand against violence and urge international institutions, especially the UN, to take action.
Let us unite our voices and words, paving the way for new hope for the people of Syria and all those worldwide who seek protection from violence.
We declare our solidarity with the people of Syria and share their hopes for a just future. Together, we will stand hand in hand for a Syria free from violence.
Respectfully,
FEDERATION OF ARAB ALEVIS IN EUROPE
CONFEDERATION OF ALEVI UNIONS IN EUROPE
FEDERATION OF ALEVI-BEKTASHI ASSOCIATIONS
