Red Cross Urges Preservation of Detainee Records in Syria
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued a critical appeal for all parties involved in the Syrian conflict to safeguard vital records, including lists of detainees and deceased individuals. This call comes in light of the alarming statistic that over 35,000 cases of enforced disappearance have been documented in Syria over the past 13 years. The ICRC's initiative aims to prevent the loss of essential information that could aid in reuniting families with their missing loved ones.
In a recent statement, ICRC's head in Syria, Stephane Sakalian, announced the launch of two new hotlines designed to facilitate communication between missing persons and their families. Despite the hope these initiatives bring, Sakalian cautioned that resolving these cases could take considerable time, potentially months or even years. He emphasized the enormity of the task at hand, stating, "Let's leave no room for error. Giving people answers will take weeks, months, maybe years, given the amount of information that needs to be processed."
Efforts to Reunite Families and Support for Victims
The ICRC's efforts are intensified by recent developments regarding the Assad regime's detention system, which has seen some prisoners re-emerge after being presumed dead for years. However, the organization remains realistic about the challenges ahead. Alongside the hotlines, the ICRC is providing mental health support, psychosocial assistance, and financial help to families seeking to reunite with their relatives.
Additionally, the ICRC is actively searching for three of its staff members who were kidnapped in 2013. Sakalian expressed a shared hope for any news that could bring comfort to their families, though he acknowledged the current lack of information.
For those with missing relatives, the ICRC has made available contact numbers for various countries, including Syria, Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt, urging individuals to reach out for assistance. The organization has also advised those residing in other countries to visit their website for further guidance. This initiative highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria and the urgent need for accountability and support for affected families.
