The Syrian Women’s Political Movement extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the Syrian homeland, to Syrian women and men everywhere, and to the families and loved ones who lost dear ones in the terrorist attack targeting Mar Elias Church in the Dweila district of Damascus yesterday, Sunday. We also express our profound solidarity with all those injured and stand by them in this grievous hour.

The Syrian Women’s Political Movement condemns this terrorist act in the strongest terms, considering it a blatant violation of the sanctity of places of worship and of civilians’ rights to life, safety, and dignity. Targeting a church and its worshippers is an unforgivable crime and a breach of the International Bill of Human Rights, which guarantees freedom of religion and belief, and the right to practice religious rites without fear or discrimination.

This attack reflects the ongoing climate of impunity and the authorities’ failure to ensure the protection of civilians, their rights, and their freedom to worship. It also highlights the previous approach to such violations, dismissing them as “isolated incidents,” the silence surrounding them, the absence of accountability, and tangible discrimination in the handling and distribution of weapons.

We, the Syrian Women’s Political Movement, call on the Syrian Transitional Government to hold the perpetrators and their instigators accountable, disclose their identities regardless of their affiliations, and condemn all forms of individual and collective violence without justification or leniency. We further demand strict regulation of unchecked weapons that are exploited to serve the interests of specific factions at the expense of the safety and security of Syrian society.

The SWPM emphasizes the necessity of activating community peace mechanisms based on civilian state institutions—both executive and administrative—and of guaranteeing complete protection of places of worship, as well as respect for freedom of belief and religious practice for all.

We affirm that maintaining communal peace is only achievable through justice, accountability, and the safeguarding of rights. This attack must serve as a wake-up call for anyone who continues to justify or remain silent in the face of violence and discrimination.

At this painful moment, we renew our commitment to work toward a Syria that is safe, secular, democratic, respectful of diversity, and protective of the life and dignity of everyone who calls it home.

Mercy upon the martyrs, and our sincerest condolences to their families and to us all for their loss

We wish a speedy recovery to the injured, and justice and accountability for the criminal perpetrators

General Secretariat of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement
Monday, June 23, 2025