In the aftermath of Syria’s long and tumultuous conflict, the ongoing quest for closure surrounding the thousands who are still missing reflects the profound challenges facing a nation striving for reconciliation. The Syrian Identification Centre in Damascus represents a critical effort to confront this tragic legacy, as forensic experts work diligently to identify remains buried in mass graves and provide answers to grieving families. Against the backdrop of a newly liberated society, the task of restoring hope and preserving dignity for victims’ families remains both daunting and vital.
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Damascus, Syria – The Syrian Identification Centre’s forensic laboratory is housed in the basement of a nondescript building in Damascus, storing human bones as part of the ongoing effort to address the tragic legacy of disappearances during Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Within this facility, cabinets filled with ribs and skulls serve as silent witnesses to the harrowing reality faced by countless families searching for their missing loved ones.
A year after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Dr. Anas Hourani, the centre’s director, confronts the daunting task of examining the only fully exhumed mass grave to date. His team anticipates that it could take up to four years to identify the victims from this site alone, symbolizing the lengthy struggle faced by the nation. Reports from the International Commission on Missing Persons suggest that Syria is home to as many as 66 mass graves, breeding hope and anxiety in equal measure for the families seeking answers.
“The missing people may be our relatives, our neighbours, our families,” Dr. Hourani stated, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability. The forced disappearances orchestrated by the al-Assad regime not only devastated individuals but also fractured entire communities. Following the regime’s collapse, many Syrians expressed relief, hoping for answers about their loved ones’ fates—yet for some, this hope is overshadowed by the stark possibility of mortality.
Mohammad Reda Jalkhi, head of the National Commission on Missing Persons, estimates that the number of missing could be as high as 300,000, while the United Nations provides a range of about 100,000. These figures illustrate the broad impact of loss on millions of Syrians, with the implications extending far beyond individual sorrow to societal fabric in need of healing.
Dr. Hourani applies his expertise as a forensic odontologist to examine victims’ dental remains, which can provide crucial clues in identifying the deceased. However, the process of identification is severely hindered by the lack of a functional DNA laboratory in Syria. The establishment of several DNA analysis centres is urgently needed for successful identification, but staffing those facilities continues to present challenges.
Jalkhi remains optimistic, acknowledging the substantial hurdles ahead: “Dealing properly with crimes of this scale does not happen overnight.” Drawing parallels to long-standing recovery efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mexico, and Argentina, he reiterates the commitment to achieving results. “Failure in the file of missing people means failure to maintain civil peace, and therefore disaster. We do not want to return to disaster again in Syria.”
With this unwavering determination, the Syrian Identification Centre stands as a beacon of hope amid the shadows of tragedy—embodying a collective promise for justice, healing, and the restoration of dignity to those who have suffered.
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