Ensuring Justice for the Disappeared: Imperatives for the New Government

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SyriaS Disappeared: Families Demand Answers After Regime Change

Damascus, Syria – A wave of desperation has swept across Syria as families of the disappeared grapple with fading hopes for reunion and justice nearly a year after a change in government.despite the fall of the previous administration on December 8, 2024, the fate of over 100,000 individuals who vanished during the conflict remains unknown, leaving countless families in agonizing uncertainty.

A Renewed Search, But Limited Progress

Following the political shift, many families rushed to former detention centers, prisons, and potential mass grave sites, driven by a renewed sense of possibility. Though, the search has been hampered by the loss or destruction of vital evidence and fears that those responsible for the disappearances will escape accountability. Families have begun organizing “Truth Tents” throughout the country – public spaces where they gather to remember their loved ones and demand answers.

Kristine Beckerle, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle east and North Africa at a leading human rights institution, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “The families of Syria’s disappeared have endured over a decade of unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. The fear that alleged perpetrators will be let off the hook and the search for the missing might not be comprehensive is contributing to a new wave of trauma,” Beckerle stated.

New Commissions, Familiar concerns

On May 17, 2025, the Syrian government established the National commission for the Missing (NCM), a critical step toward addressing the issue of disappearances. The NCM announced plans to develop a national database, collect DNA samples, and enhance forensic capabilities through international cooperation. Concurrently, the National Commission for transitional Justice (NCTJ) was created, aiming to uncover past violations and promote accountability.

However, advocates are pushing for the NCTJ’s mandate to be expanded to include crimes committed by all warring parties, not just those linked to the former government. Wasel Hamideh, whose brother remains missing, voiced a sentiment shared by many: “we demand justice for all victims – those lost to the Assad regime, or to other armed actors.Securing justice and holding perpetrators accountable is the only guarantee that our agony will not be repeated.”

Key Progress	date
Former Government Ousted	december 8,2024
national Commission for the Missing (NCM) Established	May 17,2025
National Commission for Transitional Justice (NCTJ) Established	August 18,2025

Did You Know? International law defines enforced disappearance as an ongoing violation of human rights,continuing for as long as the fate of the disappeared person remains unknown.

challenges to accountability

Despite the establishment of new bodies, investigations into disappearances have been slow, and accountability remains a notable challenge. Reports indicate continued abductions in the months since the government change, with limited efforts to investigate or prosecute those responsible. Human rights observers highlight the need for robust international support for Syrian civil society organizations assisting families of the disappeared.

Pro Tip: If you are seeking information about a missing person in Syria, contacting local and international human rights organizations can provide assistance and resources.

Beckerle stressed that securing truth, justice, and reparations for the disappeared must be a top priority for the Syrian government. “Without truth, justice and reparations, Syria’s people will never truly heal. The government must conduct prompt, thorough, autonomous, impartial and clear investigations into all crimes under international law.”

The Global Context of Enforced Disappearances

Enforced disappearances are a tragic reality in numerous conflict zones worldwide. The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, adopted by the United Nations in 2006, aims to prevent this crime and ensure accountability. However, implementation remains a challenge in many countries. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, thousands of cases of enforced disappearances are reported annually across the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disappearances in Syria

• What is considered an enforced disappearance? An enforced disappearance occurs when a person is arrested or detained by a state or political organization and their fate remains unknown.
• How many people are estimated to be missing in Syria? Over 100,000 people are believed to have been disappeared in Syria between 2011 and 2024.
• What is the role of the National Commission for the Missing (NCM)? The NCM is tasked with building a national database of missing persons, collecting DNA samples, and supporting families of the disappeared.
• Is the Syrian government investigating disappearances? investigations have been slow, and accountability remains a challenge, with concerns about the lack of thoroughness and impartiality.
• What can international organizations do to help? International organizations can provide funding, technical assistance, and advocacy to support Syrian civil society organizations and ensure accountability for perpetrators.

What steps do you beleive are most critical for achieving justice for the disappeared in Syria? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and share this article to raise awareness about this crucial issue.

How can a new government balance the pursuit of justice for past enforced disappearances with the need for national reconciliation?

Establishing a National Framework for Addressing Enforced Disappearances

The issue of enforced disappearances represents a grave violation of human rights, leaving lasting trauma on families and undermining the rule of law. A new government inheriting a legacy of disappearances faces a moral and legal imperative to address this issue comprehensively. This requires a multi-faceted approach, prioritizing truth, justice, and reparations for victims and their families. Key to this is establishing a robust national framework.

Legislative Reform: Enact specific legislation criminalizing enforced disappearance as a standalone crime, aligning with the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. This legislation must define clear parameters for examination, prosecution, and punishment of perpetrators.

Self-reliant Investigative Body: Create an independent, adequately resourced investigative body with the authority to:

Exhume clandestine graves.

Access state archives and security force records.

Interview witnesses and alleged perpetrators.

Offer protection to victims and witnesses.

National Database of Disappeared Persons: Develop a centralized, publicly accessible database containing comprehensive facts on all reported cases of enforced disappearance. This database should be regularly updated and linked to relevant government agencies.

Victim and Witness Protection Programs: implement robust programs to protect victims, witnesses, and their families from intimidation, threats, and violence. This includes relocation assistance, security details, and psychological support.

Prioritizing Truth and Accountability

Accountability is paramount. Impunity for perpetrators perpetuates the cycle of violence and erodes public trust. the pursuit of truth is equally vital, offering closure to families and preventing future abuses.

Prosecution of perpetrators: Prioritize the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for enforced disappearances, regardless of rank or position. This requires overcoming legal obstacles, ensuring fair trial standards, and combating corruption within the justice system.

Judicial Reform: Strengthen the independence and capacity of the judiciary to handle complex cases of enforced disappearance. This includes providing specialized training for judges and prosecutors on international human rights law and investigative techniques.

Truth Commissions: Consider establishing a truth commission with a mandate to investigate past abuses, document the experiences of victims, and make recommendations for institutional reform. The commission must be independent, impartial, and victim-centered.

Access to Information: Guarantee access to state archives and records related to enforced disappearances. This includes declassifying relevant documents and ensuring transparency in government operations.

Reparations and Support for Victims’ Families

Justice extends beyond criminal prosecution. Victims and their families require comprehensive reparations to address the harm thay have suffered.

Material Reparations: Provide financial compensation to victims and their families for economic losses, medical expenses, and other damages.

psychological and Social Support: Offer access to mental health services, counseling, and psychosocial support programs to address the trauma associated with enforced disappearance.

Symbolic reparations: Implement symbolic measures to acknowledge the suffering of victims and honor their memory. This includes public apologies,memorialization projects,and educational initiatives.

Right to the Truth: Ensure families have the right to know the fate and whereabouts of their disappeared loved ones. This includes providing access to information, facilitating searches for remains, and conducting thorough investigations.

International Cooperation and Monitoring

Addressing enforced disappearances frequently enough requires international cooperation and external monitoring.

Collaboration with International Organizations: Work closely with the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and other international organizations to obtain technical assistance, expertise, and support.

Ratification of International Treaties: Ratify and fully implement the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and other relevant human rights treaties.

Engagement with Special Rapporteurs: Cooperate fully with the UN Special Rapporteur on enforced or involuntary disappearances and allow access to detention facilities and relevant information.

Regional Cooperation: Collaborate with neighboring countries to share information, investigate cross-border cases, and address the root causes of enforced disappearances.

Case Study: Argentina’s CONADEP (national Commission on Disappeared People)

Argentina’s experience with the Comisión Nacional sobre la Desaparición de personas (CONADEP) in the 1980s provides valuable lessons.CONADEP,established after the fall of the military dictatorship,meticulously documented thousands of cases of enforced disappearance,identified clandestine detention centers,and collected testimonies from victims and perpetrators. While the process was fraught with challenges, CONADEP’s work laid the foundation for subsequent prosecutions and truth-seeking efforts. This demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive, independent, and well-resourced investigative body.

Practical Tips for Implementation

Prioritize victim Participation: Ensure victims and their families are actively involved in all stages of the process, from investigation to reparations.

Build Trust with Civil Society: Collaborate with human rights organizations, civil society groups, and community leaders to build trust and ensure accountability.

Address Root Causes: Identify and address the underlying factors that contribute to enforced disappearances, such as political instability, impunity, and weak rule of law.

Long-Term Commitment: Recognize that addressing enforced disappearances is a long-term process that requires sustained political will and financial resources.