Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 19 December as the International Day of Recognition for Women Searchers of Missing Persons. This day highlights the resilience and sacrifices of women who tirelessly seek information about their missing loved ones around the world, including in conflict zones such as Syria.
The number of missing persons in Syria is estimated between 130,000 and 300,000, according to the Independent Foundation for Missing Persons in Syria. Women searching for the missing endure years, sometimes decades, of uncertainty while refusing to let their loved ones be forgotten.
Ms. Al-Mashaan, a member of Syria’s National Commission for Transitional Justice, described how finding a photograph of her brother among the “Caesar photos”—images documenting deaths in government custody smuggled out of Syria in 2013—inspired her to seek truth for all victims. She has since become a leading voice in Syria’s search for the missing and founded the Caesar Families Association for families of victims of enforced disappearance.
Amina Khoulani, a member of Syria’s National Commission for Missing Persons, recounted her own arrest and detention by the Bashar Al-Assad regime, during which three of her family members were executed. After her release, she joined the human rights struggle and continues to advocate for missing persons.
Carla Quintana, president of the Independent Foundation for Missing Persons in Syria, stated that the General Assembly resolution is an international tribute to the courage, perseverance, and contributions of women searching for truth about missing persons.