Presencing the Disappeared in Syria

Abstract Enforced disappearance (ED) was one of the most pervasive crimes under the Assad regime in Syria (1971–2024), affecting millions of Syrians. Victims and their families endured not only the crime and the uncertainty surrounding the fate of the disappeared, but also its systematic denial, and the silence imposed by the Assad regime. Despite immense challenges, family members and justice actors have incessantly mobilized for truth and justice. However, efforts to address ED were long obstructed by the regime’s entrenched impunity and the international passivity surrounding this crime. In particular, the regime’s control over critical evidence, mass grave sites, and detention facilities significantly obstructed the right to know the fate and the whereabouts of the disappeared. While the fall of the regime in December 2024 renewed hopes to address these violations, it has simultaneously resurfaced immense suffering and introduced significant challenges. As Syria transitions from decades of institutionalized crimes, the struggle to address past atrocities is deeply contested. Furthermore, the new authorities have demonstrated limited commitment to prioritizing accountability. In this context, justice actors and policymakers must ensure that ED remains central to Syria’s justice agenda. Key priorities include strengthening documentation efforts, safeguarding mass grave sites, and improving coordination among stakeholders to ensure the safeguarding of evidence and meaningful accountability.