In the past fifty years, Syria has endured a painful period characterized by the disappearance of tens of thousands of people. This phenomenon is the result of an oppressive dictatorship and a devastating armed conflict that has affected the lives of millions. In a ray of hope, the Independent Institution on the Missing in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) was established by the UN General Assembly in June 2023. This entity will be dedicated to investigating and clarifying the situation of all missing persons in the country.
The creation of the IIMP comes at a crucial moment, as Syria begins a reconstruction process following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. The institution has the vital task of gathering information on disappearances, which include kidnappings and arbitrary deprivation of liberty. While the exact number of missing persons remains uncertain, it is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
The main mission of the IIMP is to determine the fate and whereabouts of these individuals. To achieve this, it will conduct thorough investigations, analyze relevant documents, and closely collaborate with affected families to provide answers about their loved ones. This process will be complex, as it involves verifying prison records and documenting evidence of torture and mass graves.
The IIMP is also committed to providing support to survivors and families living in the anguish of not knowing the fate of their loved ones. The agency will offer psychological and legal assistance, as well as facilitate communication with authorities, aiming to alleviate the trauma of those who have lost contact with their loved ones.
Karla Quintana, the director of the IIMP, has described the task facing the institution as “titanic,” given that securing resources and accessing information in a country still marked by instability is a considerable challenge. The difficulties in accessing affected regions and the potential destruction of records further complicate investigations.
The institution emphasizes that the search for the missing must be “locally owned” with international support. Collaboration with local organizations, international entities, and civil society is crucial to addressing this issue. Expectations are high, and this new UN mechanism is expected to play a key role in paving the way toward peace and justice in Syria.
via: MiMub in Spanish