Syrian Coalition Condemns the Practice of Enforced Disappearance

Press Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

December 19, 2013

The Syrian Coalition is concerned by the extent of abuses uncovered by the United Nations Human Rights Commission of Inquiry regarding enforced disappearances in Syria. We unequivocally condemn this practice of seizing and detaining individuals unlawfully.

In plain words, the commission has found that the Assad regime has been kidnapping and illegally detaining Syrians since 2011. In parallel, violent extremists from groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) have been abducting people for not abiding by their self-imposed regulations.

It should be made clear that the Coalition does not consider ISIS a part of the opposition. Its actions serve the regime's interests and it is no coincidence that Assad has said elements of the forces said to oppose him actually act in his interest.

"The regime's decision to put Syria to the torch in an effort to keep control of the ashes is the root cause of the human rights abuses going on throughout the country," said the Coalition's Secretary General, Badr Jamous. "We condemn all those who use the present situation to abuse Syrians' basic rights," he added.

The Coalition considers any opposition groups illegally seizing and holding innocent civilians to be acting in violation of the basic aims and ideals of the Syrian uprising.

The UN's investigators found evidence to show the regime used "enforced disappearances" against a range of civilians - including families considered disloyal to the regime and medical workers tending to those injured during regime attacks. The commission said these actions amounted to a crime against humanity.

The Coalition and the Free Syrian Army are committed to working together to provide protection to all Syrians regardless of background and holding those who violate human rights accountable for their actions.

We ask for Mercy for our martyrs, health for our wounded, and freedom for our detainees.

Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.