Speech by the Family Affairs Office of the Syrian Future Movement at the central celebration of the first anniversary of the victory of the Syrian Revolution and the fall of the Assad regime
Ladies and gentlemen, members and staff of the Syrian Future Movement
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
May God grant you all happiness and well-being.
It is an honor to be here today with my friend Hiba Tarjman, also a member of the Syrian Future Movement, to speak about the issue of detainees and missing persons—a deeply wounding humanitarian issue.
As sisters of the missing, we carry this pain in our hearts, as do thousands of Syrians who have been waiting for the truth for many years, and still are!
Fathers and mothers
Brothers and sisters
Sons and daughters
Friends
Neighbors and fellow citizens!
On this occasion of victory and liberation, we feel that our joy is incomplete and diminished.
The fate of our loved ones, disappeared by the tyrant, remains unknown, despite months having passed since the establishment of the National Commission for the Missing.
We had hoped this commission would be a glimmer of hope and the beginning of the inevitable path to justice.
However, to date, no serious or tangible steps have been taken. We have not seen the creation of a national database of the missing, nor have we witnessed any clear mechanisms to support or communicate with their families. No files have been opened in a way that reflects the magnitude of the tragedy and the pain of the suffering.
Therefore, thanks to the support of the Syrian Future Movement, its dedication of time and effort in pursuing our cause, and its efforts to highlight it in the media, politically, socially, and humanely, we assure you that our voice is now louder and stronger. Thanks to the Syrian Future Movement and all those who are committed to this cause, the issue of the missing will become a national priority that will not be marginalized or postponed. It is the foundation of transitional justice and the beginning of reconciliation with the suffering of our people.
We would like to emphasize here an equally important issue: the plight of the released detainees, who emerged from the prisons of the former regime physically and psychologically shattered, and most of whom now live in harsh and difficult conditions.
Despite the formation of numerous advocacy groups on their behalf, they have yet to receive adequate medical treatment, psychological support, or reintegration programs commensurate with their sacrifices.
These individuals, ladies and gentlemen, were not merely victims of a bygone era! They were vital instruments in the liberation struggle and a bridge for Syria’s crossing towards a decisive victory.
On this national occasion, we affirm unequivocally that the issue of released detainees is at the forefront of our national priorities within the Syrian Future Movement, under the leadership of our esteemed brother, Dr. Zaher Badran. We pray that God will enable us, within the Syrian Future Movement and with the generous support of the new government, to develop clear programs and a budget that encompasses their treatment, rehabilitation, psychological and social support, professional empowerment, and securing suitable employment opportunities, ultimately leading to their reintegration into society. We also hope to launch special initiatives that will restore to them the years and dreams that were stolen from them.
Caring for these individuals is caring for the very essence and ethics of the revolution, and a reaffirmation that the new Syrian state will not reproduce suffering, but rather heal its wounds.
In conclusion, may this blessed occasion mark the beginning of a new era that reveals the truth, delivers justice to the victims, and safeguards the dignity of the Syrian people.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
