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Why are so many Syrians still missing after the regime fell?
Many Syrians remain missing due to the extensive network of prisons and mass graves operated by the regime. After the regime's collapse, efforts to identify victims and locate mass graves have been slow, hampered by technical, logistical, and political challenges. The chaos of the conflict and lack of records make it difficult to find answers.
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What efforts are being made to identify victims and find mass graves?
A national commission has been established to gather evidence, exhumate graves, and identify victims. Forensic work is ongoing, but it can take years—sometimes up to four years per site—to analyze remains and confirm identities. International experts and local investigators are working together, but progress remains slow due to the scale of the task.
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How long will it take for families to get justice and closure?
The process of achieving justice and closure for Syrian families is expected to take many years. The technical difficulties, political obstacles, and the sheer number of victims mean that full resolution is still distant. Many families continue to wait patiently, hoping for answers that may come only after extensive investigations.
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What are the main challenges investigators face in uncovering the truth?
Investigators face numerous hurdles, including the destruction of records, the difficulty of exhuming and analyzing remains, and political resistance. The ongoing conflict and lack of cooperation from some authorities further complicate efforts. Comparing Syria’s situation to other post-conflict countries like Bosnia highlights the long, complex process of uncovering the truth.
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Are there any recent breakthroughs in identifying victims?
While progress is slow, some victims have been identified through forensic analysis and DNA testing. However, these successes are limited compared to the scale of the problem. The ongoing work continues to bring hope that more families will find closure in the future.
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What can the international community do to help resolve these disappearances?
International support can provide technical expertise, funding, and political pressure to accelerate investigations. Human rights organizations are also advocating for justice and accountability, urging governments to prioritize uncovering the truth and supporting Syrian families in their search for answers.