Yesterday, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Stephan Sakalian, ICRC’s Head of Delegation in Syria, Catherine Matile, Protection Coordinator for the ICRC delegation in Syria, and other esteemed delegation members met with the team from the Association of Detained and Missing in Sednaya Prison (ADMSP) in Damascus.
The meeting marked a critical step in addressing the plight of tens of thousands of families in Syria who continue to search for answers about the fate of their missing loved ones. Discussions focused on strengthening the role of Syrian civil society organizations and ICRC’s vital contributions to this cause.
Key priorities addressed during the meeting included:
1️⃣ Prioritizing Families’ Needs: Acknowledging the pressing need for families to know the fate and whereabouts of their missing loved ones and ensuring their rights remain central to all efforts.
2️⃣ Preserving Vital Records: Emphasizing the importance of securing arrest records, detainee lists, hospital records, and other key documentation to aid in clarifying the fate of missing persons.
3️⃣ Protecting Gravesites: Committing to prevent disturbance and ensure that potential gravesites are safeguarded, with forensic standards upheld in any future exhumations.
4️⃣ Preventing Future Disappearances: Highlighting the necessity of measures to prevent further disappearances in compliance with international humanitarian and human rights laws.
This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to justice, accountability, and the dignity of survivors and families affected by enforced disappearances. Together, we strive to advance the search for truth and healing.
ADMSP
05/01/2025
