In an important step toward truth and justice, the Association of Families of Missing Asylum Seekers is set to officially launch its work on March 24, 2025, during the United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Switzerland.
The launch date coincides with the International Day for the Right to the Truth, emphasizing the need to shed light on the suffering of families who have lost loved ones on the difficult journey of seeking refuge.
An Association Fueled by Pain and Hope
The association is an independent civil society organization founded by families of missing Syrian refugees who were driven by their loss to seek justice and prevent this tragedy from happening again. It amplifies the voices of families exhausted by waiting and longing for answers about their loved ones’ fate.
🗣️ Ahmad Zarour, one of the founding members, explains:
“What unites us is tears that never dry and a pain that never fades. Our cause is not just personal—it is a humanitarian struggle that concerns every family that has lost a loved one while seeking refuge. We refuse to give up and vow to keep fighting.”
🗣️ Batoul Karbijha, another founding member, expresses her anger at the ongoing tragedy:
“Those who arrested and forcibly disappeared Syrians are the same ones who forced them to flee—only to meet death or disappearance along the way. Our missing loved ones are not just numbers in news reports; they are parents, siblings, and children who left behind a void nothing can fill.”
The Association’s Goals: Truth First
According to Tarek Taleb, a founding member, working together is key to achieving real change in the issue of missing refugees. He highlights the association’s main goals:
- Finding out the truth about the fate of those who disappeared on the road to asylum.
- Strengthening justice systems to ensure accountability and prevent impunity.
- Making sure the issue of missing refugees is included in justice efforts to prevent future crimes.
- Honoring the missing and creating a record to document their stories.
- Supporting families of victims by building a strong network of solidarity.
A Message to the World: No More Death in the Shadows
With its official launch, the Association of Families of Missing Asylum Seekers is calling on the world to protect refugees and stop forced disappearances and loss on migration routes. More than just an organization, it is a cry of pain, a message of hope, and a promise to ensure that the missing are never forgotten.
