Syria Faces Rising Cases of Kidnappings and Forced Disappearances, UN Reports

Syria Faces Rising Cases of Kidnappings and Forced Disappearances, UN Reports

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has raised concerns over a surge in kidnappings and forced disappearances in Syria. Since the beginning of this year, at least 97 individuals have been reported as kidnapped or missing, with new cases continuing to emerge.

In a press briefing on Friday, November 7, OHCHR spokesperson, Al-Katan, highlighted the alarming situation: "Eleven months after the fall of the former Syrian government, we continue to receive dozens of reports regarding kidnappings and enforced disappearances. The situation remains deeply concerning."

The spokesperson emphasized that these recent incidents are separate from the more than 100,000 cases of disappearance that occurred during the tenure of former President Assad. Many families remain unaware of the fate of their loved ones who vanished during the prolonged civil war.

Last year, opposition groups such as the "Levant Liberation Organization" successfully overthrew the Assad regime, bringing an end to a 13-year-long conflict. However, despite some families being reunited with their missing relatives, many others still have no information about the whereabouts of their loved ones.

The ongoing instability and security challenges in Syria, particularly in coastal regions and southern cities like Sweida, where violent clashes have erupted, have further complicated efforts to trace and locate those who have disappeared. OHCHR has underlined the urgent need for international attention and action to address this growing humanitarian crisis.