More than 100,000 women in Syria live in a state of legal and emotional limbo, as 150,000 to 170,000 people, mostly men, remain missing. These figures, reported by the United Nations and Syrian human rights organizations, reflect the tragic situation women face following the Syrian Civil War that began in 2011.
Nora, a 33-year-old mother from Idlib, states that her husband has been missing for 14 years, and she has lost hope of his return. However, she cannot move on to a new life due to her husband's family's interference in court when she attempted to obtain a death certificate. This situation highlights the outdated Syrian laws that obstruct women's rights.
Details of the Situation
The current laws in Syria are based on the Personal Status Law of 1953, which stipulates that a missing person can only be declared dead when they reach 80 years old or after four years of disappearance in cases of armed conflict. These laws grant male relatives authority over essential legal decisions, leaving women in a state of helplessness.
Nora explains that her in-laws control all official documents related to her and her son, meaning her son needs their approval to obtain any official document until he turns 18 years old. This situation complicates women's ability to move forward in their lives.
Background & Context
Since the onset of the Syrian Civil War, the country has faced profound humanitarian and legal crises. Reports indicate that between 1 to 2 million people have been detained, while approximately 600,000 people have been killed, many ending up in mass graves. Although the war officially ended in December 2024, its effects continue to linger, especially on women and children.
In recent years, the National Commission for the Missing was established by the Syrian transitional government, but major reforms in family laws remain postponed. Lina Goutok, a Syrian researcher and human rights specialist, points out that recent amendments, such as Circular No. 17, have increased discrimination against mothers, further complicating women's situations.
Impact & Consequences
Heba Zaidin, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, argues that the plight of missing women should be at the center of any serious discussion about transitional justice and gender equality in Syria. With over 100,000 missing persons, their wives are left in a legal and economic void, depriving their children of the necessary documents to access education and healthcare.
Yafa Nawaf, an activist from Aleppo, states that women in Syria are demanding radical amendments to the Personal Status Law, especially regarding custody and guardianship. She has launched the initiative My Children, My Right on social media, where thousands of women from across Syria have joined to demand their rights.
Regional Significance
The issue of women in Syria exemplifies larger problems faced by women in conflict zones across the Arab world. As armed conflicts increase, women are subjected to more discrimination and violations. Achieving legal and social equality for women in Syria could have a positive impact on women in other Arab countries facing similar conditions.
In conclusion, the issue of missing women in Syria remains an urgent matter requiring immediate attention and radical legal reforms. Achieving justice and equality in rights is essential for building a healthy and stable society.