“Freedom for the missing and imprisoned people”
Statement Launching a Petition Campaign – Demanding the Release of Prisoners and the Forcibly Disappeared
In the name of Kongra Star, and in coordination with women’s organizations, civil society organizations, political parties, unions, and families of prisoners and the missing, we raise our voices today to global public opinion and international institutions concerned with the Syrian issue, to present the world with the reality of the blatant violations perpetrated against our people in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, extending to Deir Hafer, Tabqa, and Raqqa. The surprise attacks launched by the “General Security” forces affiliated with the interim government were not merely military operations, but rather systematic treachery and a circumvention of the agreements concluded with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and a breach of all the charters that were supposed to prevent bloodshed and guarantee a minimum level of stability, thus transforming safe zones into arenas of repression and brutality.
This brutal military escalation has descended into documented war crimes and summary executions, leaving behind a major humanitarian tragedy and families still unaware of the fate of their loved ones, lost between the agony of loss and the agony of waiting, not knowing who among them has been martyred and who languishes in captivity. With the continued systematic blackout and the disregard for the cries of mothers who march daily demanding the truth, the issue of prisoners and missing persons remains a festering wound in the heart of Syrian society. This is especially true given that the meager number released pales in comparison to the thousands forcibly disappeared in the prisons of the General Security Directorate, posing a direct threat to civil peace and social cohesion, and violating all international laws and norms.
Therefore, based on our moral and national responsibility towards the blood of the victims and the tears of the mothers, we announce today the launch of a petition campaign, spearheaded by women and democratic forces, to serve as a legally binding document demanding immediate and decisive international action to compel the aggressors to publicly and swiftly disclose the fate of all missing persons, release all prisoners and detainees unconditionally, and cease all forms of torture and human rights violations perpetrated under the guise of military operations. We emphasize the necessity of forming an independent and impartial international commission of inquiry to investigate the extrajudicial killings and document all violations committed, as an essential and indispensable step towards establishing the foundations of transitional justice and holding perpetrators accountable, thus ensuring that impunity is not tolerated and putting an end to the arbitrary practices of the forces affiliated with the transitional government.
We, as Kongra Star, along with all signatory parties and organizations, affirm that this campaign is a legal and humanitarian outcry backed by popular will. It will be officially submitted, with all signatures, to the relevant international bodies concerned with the Syrian issue, foremost among them the United Nations, the Security Council, Human Rights Watch, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), and the International Committee of the Red Cross. We place the issue of prisoners and missing persons as a top priority, one that brooks no delay or compromise. We pledge to our people that this issue will remain at the forefront of our struggle until comprehensive justice is achieved, in fulfillment of the dignity of the Syrian people and their inherent right to life, liberty, and fairness.
12.03.2026
Kongra Star
1. Call to sign until 17th of march:
2. Letter that will be send to the international bodies on 18th of march (day of solidarity with political prisoners):
