The Syrian Future Movement is following with concern the circular issued by the Ministry of Justice of the Syrian Arab Republic on December 15, 2025, calling for the handover of documents and files related to detainees and missing persons that some citizens obtained after liberation, while strongly warning against their publication or circulation, considering this a crime against state security.
The Syrian Future Movement appreciates the efforts aimed at preserving the integrity of the evidence necessary to uncover the fate of tens of thousands of detainees and missing persons and to hold the perpetrators of the previous regime accountable. These documents represent hope for the victims’ families to learn the truth and are fundamental to any transitional justice process that seeks to redress grievances and prevent the recurrence of violations.
The Syrian Future Movement expresses its concern that this circular, in its current form, will reinforce doubts about the seriousness of building a transparent and comprehensive transitional justice system, especially in light of the absence of clear mechanisms for the participation of civil society, victims’ associations, and independent experts in the documentation and investigation process. We also believe that focusing on security and punitive measures without sufficient guarantees of transparency could be interpreted as an attempt to monopolize information, hindering the national trust necessary during this sensitive transitional phase.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that in Syria’s early recovery phase, transitional justice must be a fundamental pillar for building a pluralistic, civil state based on the rule of law and genuine reconciliation. This requires:
- The immediate and urgent involvement of the National Commission for Transitional Justice, victims’ families’ associations, independent human rights organizations, and international experts in all stages of document collection and processing to ensure professionalism and impartiality.
- The publication of a clear and transparent timeline for uncovering the truth, with a commitment to informing families of the fate of their loved ones without delay and respecting their dignity when handling any sensitive materials.
- Avoiding any use of existing laws in a way that could be perceived as suppressing freedoms or extortion, while focusing on building a new legal framework that complies with international human rights standards.
- Leveraging international partnerships, while preserving national sovereignty, to support an independent documentation process that ensures no evidence is lost or destroyed.
Based on its comprehensive national vision, the Syrian Future Movement renews its call for a comprehensive national dialogue that includes all Syrian components, to formulate a path of transitional justice that restores trust between the people and state institutions, and transforms the sacrifices of Syrians into the foundation for a free, united, independent, and prosperous Syria. We also warn that any delay or exclusion in this matter will fuel tensions and hinder national recovery, and we call on the official authorities to respond quickly to these legitimate concerns in service of the supreme interest of the Syrian people.
