How is a Global Charity Linked to Child Disappearances Under the Assad Regime?

This article explores the heartbreaking search for missing children in Syria, focusing on the experiences of families like Reem al-Kari, whose son Karim vanished during the civil war. Over 3,700 children remain unaccounted for, with many potentially held in orphanages used as political tools by the former regime. Investigative efforts reveal troubling connections between charities and the state, raising urgent questions about accountability and the fate of these vulnerable children.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Karim al-Kari is among over 3,700 children missing since the onset of Syria's civil war.
• Charities, including SOS Children's Villages, have faced scrutiny for their roles in housing these children.
• Many families struggle to locate their children due to falsified records and bureaucratic challenges.
• There are reports of children being used as political pawns, complicating reunification efforts.
• The Syrian government's collapse has revealed previously hidden information about missing children.

The Disappearance of Children in Syria's Civil War

The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has created a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions. Among its most tragic outcomes is the disappearance of children like Karim al-Kari, who was just two-and-a-half years old when he went missing in 2013. His story is not unique; more than 3,700 children are still unaccounted for, many believed to have been taken from their families as part of a broader strategy by the Assad regime.

The Role of Orphanages and Charities

Orphanages became a refuge for children whose parents were detained during the conflict. However, these institutions often acted as political tools rather than safe havens. Reem al-Kari's search for her son highlights the bureaucratic obstacles parents face when trying to locate their missing children. Many children were falsely registered as orphans or had their identities altered, complicating the already difficult search for families.

Investigative Findings

In a significant breakthrough, a collaborative investigation by multiple media organisations, including the BBC and Lighthouse Reports, has shed light on the operations of several Syrian orphanages. They have compiled a database of 323 children believed to have been hidden by the regime. This investigation revealed that SOS Children's Villages International, a well-known charity, played a substantial role in housing these children. The charity, which operates in over 130 countries, has been accused of having connections to the Assad regime.

Challenges in Tracing Missing Children

For many parents, the search for information about their children is fraught with difficulties. Reem al-Kari's experience illustrates the frustrating reality faced by families. After visiting the Social Affairs Ministry, she found herself navigating a maze of bureaucracy, with officials unhelpful and evasive. The ministry claimed to be investigating the fate of missing children, but their limited resources have hindered progress.

The Impact of Falsified Records

Falsified documentation presents a significant barrier to locating missing children. Parents are often left without reliable information, making it nearly impossible to determine whether their child has been taken in by a specific institution, such as SOS Children's Villages. Reem's visit to various orphanages yielded no answers, leaving her with more questions than when she began.

The Role of SOS Children's Villages

SOS Children's Villages has faced intense scrutiny for its operations in Syria. Reports from whistleblowers indicate that many children were admitted without proper documentation, and there are allegations that the charity prioritised funding over the welfare of the children. Benoît Piot, the interim CEO of SOS International, acknowledged that the organisation had followed orders from the Syrian government, which he described as a "terror system."

Allegations of Mismanagement and Exploitation

Whistleblowers have pointed to a culture of negligence within SOS Children's Villages, where safeguarding concerns regarding the admission of detainees' children were reportedly ignored. The charity's focus on meeting fundraising targets led to the admission of any child, regardless of their circumstances. This raises serious ethical questions about the organisation's practices and its responsibility towards the children in its care.

Personal Stories of Separation and Reunification

While some families remain separated, others like Omama Ghbeis have managed to reunite with their children after years of searching. Omama's daughters were taken in by SOS Syria while she was imprisoned. Their experiences, including being forbidden from communicating with their family, echo the painful journey of many displaced families. Omama's anger towards SOS highlights the emotional toll of these separations and the long-lasting impact on familial bonds.

The Complexity of Reunification

Reunification is not merely a matter of physical proximity; it involves navigating emotional and psychological barriers created by prolonged separation. Omama's daughters struggled to reconnect with her, illustrating the profound effects of trauma on children. The distressing accounts of families further underline the urgent need for effective policies and support systems to facilitate the reunification process.

Current Efforts and Future Prospects

In light of the recent collapse of the Assad regime, there have been calls for a thorough investigation into the fate of missing children. However, the lack of resources and staff at the Social Affairs Ministry raises concerns about the effectiveness of these efforts. Reem al-Kari continues her search for Karim, expressing frustration over the slow progress in finding a clear path for mothers seeking their children.

What Happens Next?

As investigations into the situation continue, the future remains uncertain for many families. The plight of missing children in Syria is a complex issue that requires immediate attention from both humanitarian organisations and governments. The international community must hold accountable those responsible for the forced separation of families and ensure that the voices of affected families are heard in the ongoing discourse surrounding this humanitarian crisis.

FAQs

How many children are currently missing in Syria?

Over 3,700 children are reported missing since the beginning of the Syrian civil war, with many believed to have been taken from their families during the conflict.

What role did SOS Children's Villages play in the situation?

SOS Children's Villages has been implicated in the admission of children without proper documentation, and whistleblowers have raised concerns about the charity's connections to the Assad regime.

What challenges do families face in locating their missing children?

Families face numerous obstacles, including bureaucratic hurdles, falsified records, and a lack of transparency from institutions that may have housed their children.

Are there ongoing efforts to investigate the fate of missing children?

Yes, the Syrian Social Affairs Ministry announced a new investigation into the fate of missing children, but their limited resources have hindered the effectiveness of these efforts.

What can be done to support families searching for missing children?

Supporting families requires a multi-faceted approach, including improving transparency in orphanages, ensuring proper documentation, and providing emotional and legal support for families in their search.

As the search for missing children in Syria continues, the stories of families like Reem al-Kari and Omama Ghbeis serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of conflict. The international community must unite to address these injustices and work towards a future where families can be reunited and children can grow up in peace. #Syria #MissingChildren #HumanRights