Syria’s Justice minister says domestic violence bill awaits parliamentary approval

Damascus, Aug. 2 (SANA) Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais said a comprehensive draft law aimed at combating domestic violence is awaiting submission to the People’s Assembly, following the killings of two girls in separate incidents in the southern province of Daraa.

In a statement published on the ministry’s Telegram channel on Saturday, al-Wais said the proposed legislation forms part of the Ministry of Justice‘s broader judicial reform program and is designed to strengthen legal protection for victims, particularly children and women.

He said child protection has been a key priority since the ministry launched its reform agenda, describing it as a national responsibility and emphasizing the importance of building a child-friendly justice system that reinforces the rule of law.

According to al-Wais, the draft law was prepared in coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, national institutions and international organizations. It establishes a comprehensive framework for prevention and victim protection, creates specialized police and judicial mechanisms to handle domestic violence cases, strengthens safeguards for victims and increases penalties for offenders.

The minister said the legislation represents an important step in strengthening Syria’s legal framework for protecting families and promoting social cohesion. The bill is awaiting submission to the People’s Assembly to complete the constitutional and legislative approval process.

Al-Wais also said the ministry has developed a national child protection strategy and launched a program to reform the juvenile justice system, with the aim of enhancing legal protections, promoting rehabilitation and reintegration, and ensuring that the best interests of the child remain central to policymaking and judicial procedures.

The announcement follows two high-profile child death cases in Daraa that have attracted widespread public attention.

The Interior Ministry said it had arrested the uncle of Noor Muhannad al-Dous in connection with her killing after investigators gathered evidence identifying him as the suspect. The ministry said he confessed to the crime during questioning.

In a separate case, Farah al-Hamoud disappeared near a relative’s home in the town of Ghabagheb in northern Daraa countryside before her body was found four days later inside a storage facility. Authorities said the investigation into her death is ongoing.

R.D/ABD