Newsletter: Edition number: 4 (From October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024)

The issue of forcibly disappeared persons in Syria remains one of the most urgent and pressing humanitarian crises, requiring multilateral cooperation both locally and internationally. After the fall of the fugitive President Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024, and the release of detainees from prisons of the former Syrian government, the issue took a different and more complex turn.  

Despite access to previously classified records and detention centers that were once off-limits to both international and local entities, the security vacuum led to scattered responsibilities and the loss of many records and documents related to this issue. Furthermore, the neglect of securing potential mass grave sites and the delayed arrival of international specialized teams to critical locations further exacerbated the suffering of Syrian families searching for answers about their missing loved ones.  

Amid these challenges, victims’ groups and Syrian human rights organizations continue their efforts to uncover the truth and achieve justice by documenting violations, providing evidence to legal and human rights entities, and mobilizing international support to hold those responsible for enforced disappearances accountable. These groups also work to protect the rights of victims and their families, applying pressure on transitional authorities to ensure the implementation of effective and impartial justice measures in Syria’s future. Furthermore, they advocate for the disclosure of detention sites, the identification of mass grave locations, and the prosecution of those responsible in accordance with

This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of SCM and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union