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Syrian Human Rights Network Calls for New Legislation to End Arbitrary Detention and Ensure the Rights of Enforced Disappearances
Today, the Syrian Human Rights Network published its report, revealing the recording of 109 arbitrary detention cases in July 2025. The report urges the adoption of stringent legal measures to end the era of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances, and to ensure the protection of fundamental rights amid the ongoing political changes in the country.
Key Highlights from the Report:
- A total of 48 cases of arbitrary detention were documented, including 12 cases by the transitional government, of which 5 involved children, and 36 cases by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), also including 5 children.
- Raqqa Governorate recorded the highest number of detention cases, followed by Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah.
- In areas controlled by the SDF, the number of arrests exceeded the number of releases, especially after the detention of civilians who criticized their policies.
- The report documented detention operations carried out without legal clarification or referral to the public prosecutor, constituting blatant violations of legal procedures and international guarantees.
- Detentions were also documented in Homs, Tartus, and Quneitra, targeting individuals accused of vague charges lacking proper legal documentation.
- Reports indicated cases of child recruitment in training camps affiliated with the SDF, with their families deprived of knowing their whereabouts or being able to communicate with them.
Releases Documented:
- 11 releases from the transitional government detention centers, mostly from Homs and Hama.
- 14 releases from SDF detention centers, including two children, mostly from Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa.
- Additionally, 19 releases without government accountability, particularly in Latakia and Homs.
Recommendations and Conclusions:
- The network highlighted that most arrests were conducted without judicial warrants or transparent investigations, outright violating Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
- It documented physical and psychological abuses, including torture, which contravenes the 1984 Convention Against Torture.
- It emphasized the need to establish transitional accountability mechanisms to protect victims' rights and prevent future violations.
- The report called on the international community to hold responsible parties accountable, refer cases to the International Criminal Court, support reconciliation programs, and uncover the fate of enforced disappearances.
Furthermore, the network urged international bodies and relevant committees to exert pressure on all parties involved in the conflict and controlling forces in Syria to guarantee the immediate and unconditional release of arbitrarily detained individuals, enable families to access their loved ones, and allow international monitors, especially the International Committee of the Red Cross, to visit detention centers independently and without preconditions.
