Femena expresses its full solidarity with the Syrian Feminist Lobby and the courageous feminist activists currently facing an escalating campaign of defamation, incitement, and targeted harassment.
At a time when speaking out against violations carries profound personal and political risk, we stand in full solidarity with Rima Flihan and Alaa Amer. Their voices reflect the importance of principled feminist engagement in public life, and their work in documenting abuses and raising alarm about the dangers facing minorities in Syria demonstrates a deep commitment not only to truth but also to justice and accountability.
The recent wave of attacks against them, marked by disinformation, intimidation, and deeply harmful narratives, constitutes a deliberate attempt to silence independent feminist voices in Syria. These tactics are not isolated; they are part of a broader pattern aimed at undermining those who challenge dominant power structures and insist on exposing violations, including abductions and sexual violence.
We are particularly concerned by efforts to discredit feminist actors and women human rights defenders who engage with and respond to credible international reporting, including recent investigations into violence against Alawite communities in Syria. Attempts to dismiss or distort such documentation only deepen harm and obstruct pathways toward justice.
Femena affirms that defending victims, documenting violations, and holding all actors accountable, without exception or politicized selectivity, are essential foundations for any meaningful future grounded in dignity, equality, and the rule of law.
We stand with the Syrian Feminist Lobby in their insistence that feminist advocacy must remain independent, intersectional, and unwavering in the face of pressure. Targeting these efforts is not only an attack on individuals or organizations but also a threat to the broader struggle for gender justice and democratic space across the region.
We call on regional and international feminist, civil society, and human rights organizations to take a clear and public stance against these campaigns of defamation and intimidation. Silence in such moments risks enabling further violence and erasure.
We invite organizations across the region to join this collective position of solidarity and to sign the statement at the following link:
https://tinyurl.com/hfs3skdj
In solidarity,