A 60-page report mapping key facilities, commanders, and survivor testimonies from Daraa and Quneitra provinces.

In Southern Syria, a disturbing network of detention and torture continues to thrive, deeply affecting local communities and contributing to ongoing human rights violations. Despite the promises of peace and the international community’s calls for justice, individuals in this region remain subjected to systemic violence, often at the hands of local authorities and military factions. This blog post delves into the complex layers of these detention and torture networks, exploring how they operate, who is responsible, and the long-lasting impact they have on the lives of innocent civilians.

The “Chains of Command” refers to the organized structures that govern these illegal activities, from the foot soldiers to the high-ranking officials who issue orders. We examine the role of various actors, including government forces, rebel factions, and paramilitary groups, all of whom have been implicated in the abuse of detainees. We also focus on the survivors, sharing their stories and the toll that torture and unlawful detention continue to have on both individuals and their families.

This post aims to shed light on the hidden infrastructure that perpetuates these violations, addressing how these networks have evolved and become entrenched in the fabric of the conflict. It also emphasizes the role of international law in bringing perpetrators to justice and calls for more rigorous global action to disrupt these networks.

Key Takeaways:

• Impact on Civilian Populations: The widespread use of torture and arbitrary detention has left deep scars on families and communities, with many individuals unaccounted for or suffering long-term physical and psychological damage.
• The Role of Local and Regional Powers: Both government and non-governmental forces play a part in these atrocities, creating a complex chain of command that spans local, regional, and even international levels.
• The Need for Accountability: With such networks still in operation, there is an urgent need for the international community to hold violators accountable through legal frameworks like the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other mechanisms.
• Path Forward: Advocating for transparency, justice for victims, and a broader understanding of these practices is crucial in preventing further abuses and moving toward long-term peace in Syria.

By exposing these torture networks and advocating for survivors, Splaj hopes to amplify the call for justice and to support efforts to dismantle these chains of command. The stories of the detained, the tortured, and the disappeared deserve to be heard, and their fight for justice must continue to resonate globally.