Fourteen years after the Syrian revolution, the fate of thousands of forcibly disappeared individuals remains unknown. Families searching outside detention centers such as Sednaya Prison have found little solace, with official records offering scarce information. Despite the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, the crisis has worsened.
Families of the Missing Continue Their Search
According to a recent report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), there have been 177,021 enforced disappearances since 2011, with 160,123 cases attributed to the ousted regime. The reopening of prisons and secret detention centers has revealed new evidence, yet government efforts remain insufficient. SNHR Director Fadel Abdulghanni stressed the need for international cooperation to identify mass graves and establish a DNA database.
Push for Justice & Accountability
As Syria enters a transitional phase, demands for justice are growing. Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged legal action against war criminals, including both former regime officials and armed groups. The organization called for the preservation of mass grave sites and cooperation with UN investigative bodies.
While some progress has been made, experts argue that transitional justice efforts remain limited. Abdulghanni emphasized the need for civil society organizations to play a greater role in shaping post-conflict legal frameworks.
Government Arrests Assad Regime Criminals
The Syrian Ministry of Interior has intensified efforts to dismantle remnants of the former regime, arresting several key figures. Bashar Mahfouz, a commander in the notorious 25th Division, was detained alongside Khaled Othman for alleged war crimes and involvement in kidnappings and robberies.
In Aleppo, security forces arrested Adnan Muhammad al-Sayyid, a former leader of the Iran-backed Al-Quds Brigade, accused of stealing humanitarian aid and cracking down on Palestinian refugee camps. His arrest follows a broader crackdown on Al-Quds Brigade leaders, including Bassam Tawfiq and Bassam Muhammad Maqsoud.
Palestinians in Syria Demand Justice
The Action Group for Palestinians in Syria estimates that over 6,000 Palestinian refugees, including 49 children, are still missing. During a session at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Tariq Hamoud of the Palestinian Return Centre called for international action on enforced disappearances.
Families of detained Palestinian refugees have criticized the Palestinian embassy in Damascus for inaction. They are demanding investigations into Palestinian factions, like the Al-Quds Brigade, that collaborated with the Assad regime’s persecution against Palestinians.
Challenges in Syria’s Transition
While efforts to dismantle the former regime’s security apparatus continue, Syria’s path to justice remains uncertain. Human rights organizations stress the need for strong accountability mechanisms to prevent further impunity. Meanwhile, economic recovery, reconstruction, and the return of displaced persons add to the challenges ahead. The coming months will determine whether Syria moves toward reconciliation or remains trapped in unresolved grievances.
