Syria ‘not alone’ in locating missing persons, tackling displacement
Syria Not Alone in Locating Missing Persons and Addressing Displacement
Provpnmatrix.com – Syria not alone in locating missing persons as the nation navigates one of the most significant displacement crises globally. According to Paula Gaviria Betancur, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, Syria has the opportunity to transform this challenge into a foundation for inclusive and sustainable recovery. Her assessment follows an official visit to the country that concluded on Thursday, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges.
A Nation Facing Displacement and Seeking Solutions
The displacement crisis in Syria continues to affect millions of people. Since the conflict erupted in 2011, approximately 14 million individuals have been forced to leave their homes. Recent progress shows that nearly two million internally displaced persons and 1.7 million refugees have returned since December, yet around 5.5 million people remain displaced within Syria's borders.
Reconstruction efforts face substantial financial requirements, with projected needs reaching $216 billion. Additionally, 15.6 million people continue to require humanitarian assistance. These statistics demonstrate both the scale of the challenge and the potential for meaningful transformation through coordinated international support.
"Internally displaced persons are among the most affected by Syria's past, and among those who can contribute most significantly to its future," said Ms. Gaviria Betancur during her visit.
The Special Rapporteur stressed that supporting displaced populations goes beyond immediate relief. She emphasized that investing in human rights, capacities, and participation represents a commitment to Syria's social fabric, economic recovery, and long-term peace. Success will ultimately depend on whether displaced persons can rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.
International Collaboration in Finding the Missing
Syria not alone in locating missing persons, as international institutions provide crucial support. Karla Quintana, head of the UN Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria, shared updates during Secretary-General António Guterres's first visit to the country in his current capacity.
Established by the UN General Assembly in 2023, the institution has processed over 75,000 documents and maintains information-sharing partnerships with key organizations. The scope of work has broadened to include missing migrants, children, and individuals who disappeared under Da'esh following the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024.
"Syria knows they don't have to do this alone," Ms. Quintana explained, noting that the institution continues to work towards locating missing persons and supporting their families.
Although the new Government has granted some access to the institution, national authorities have not yet permitted a permanent office establishment. Despite this limitation, accessing, analysing, and sharing information remains central to efforts to discover the fate and whereabouts of missing persons.
Building Accountability Through Partnership
Ms. Quintana highlighted that collaborative efforts are ongoing, emphasizing that families of the missing originally requested the creation of the institution. This community-driven demand underscores the importance of grassroots solutions in addressing Syria's complex challenges.
Earlier this month, UN investigators from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria called on the Government to continue tracing missing detainees and ensure accountability. Their week-long visit occurred amid deadly bomb attacks in Damascus and ongoing insecurity in the restive south, illustrating the volatile environment surrounding these critical efforts.
The Special Rapporteur will present her comprehensive report to the Human Rights Council in June 2027, offering a detailed assessment of Syria's progress and remaining obstacles. These combined initiatives—addressing both displacement and missing persons—represent essential steps toward a more stable and inclusive future for Syria and its people.