Syrian Network for Human Rights
Investigating human rights violations and documenting the Syrian conflict with rigorous data.
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Overview
Mission and Mandate
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in the United Kingdom. Established in June 2011, its primary mission is to monitor and document human rights violations occurring within Syria. The organization focuses on tracking casualties, investigating abuses, and advocating for accountability for all parties involved in the Syrian conflict.
Origin and Operations
Founded by Fadel Abdul Ghany, who continues to serve as its chairman, the SNHR operates with a global perspective. While registered in the UK, many of its members and operations extend internationally, with some individuals living outside Syria due to the risks associated with their work. The organization has been recognized for its rigorous data collection methods.
Scope of Work
SNHR meticulously documents the human rights situation in Syria, paying particular attention to casualties from all sides of the conflict. Its reports have been cited by numerous international bodies, including United Nations agencies, and prominent human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, underscoring the significance of its findings.
Detainees and Forcibly Disappeared
Documenting Involuntary Disappearances
The SNHR is particularly recognized for its comprehensive and rigorous efforts to tally the number of Syrian citizens who have been forcibly disappeared throughout the conflict. This work involves meticulous data collection and verification.
Statistical Overview
As of May 2019, the SNHR reported that nearly 128,000 individuals had not emerged from Syrian government prisons, with an estimated 14,000 deaths attributed to torture within these facilities.[8][9] These figures, described as the most rigorous available, are based on direct reports from family members or witnesses, avoiding estimations and ensuring a conservative count.[9]
Methodological Rigor
The SNHR's methodology emphasizes verification, requiring reports from family members or direct witnesses. They actively follow up with individuals to confirm the status of missing persons. This detailed approach, as noted by Anne Barnard of The New York Times, contributes to the reliability and conservative nature of their tallies, which are likely undercounts of the true scale of the issue.[8][9]
Credibility and Controversy
Recognized Authority
Major news outlets, including The Guardian and The New York Times, have described the SNHR as rigorous, independent, and credible.[8][21] Its data has been instrumental in informing reports by international bodies and human rights organizations.
Accusations and Disputed Attributions
Despite its general credibility, the SNHR has faced specific accusations. In January 2025, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) accused the SNHR of falsely attributing civilian deaths to them during the East Aleppo offensive. The SDF alleged that the SNHR's reporting was influenced by Turkey, citing discrepancies in casualty figures attributed to Turkish forces versus opposition groups.[23]
Data Discrepancies
The SNHR's December 2024 report documented 108 civilian deaths attributed to the SDF, while only 8 were attributed to all Syrian opposition forces combined. This contrasted with figures for Turkish and SNA forces. The SNHR also reported that 17 protestors were killed in Turkish airstrikes, alleging SDF coercion of participants.[24][25] These specific claims have led to scrutiny and counter-allegations regarding the SNHR's reporting accuracy in certain contexts.[23]
Organizational Structure
Legal Status and Registration
The SNHR is legally registered as a non-profit limited liability company in the United Kingdom and also operates as a non-profit organization in the United States. This dual registration supports its international operations and credibility.
Leadership and Staff
The organization is governed by a board of directors comprising five members. Fadel Abdul Ghany serves as the chairman. The executive director oversees seven distinct operational divisions. As of 2019, the SNHR employed 27 full-time staff members and engaged over 70 volunteers in its work.[26]
Board of Directors
The current board of directors includes:
- Fadel Abdul Ghany (chairman)
- Burhan Ghalioun
- Bettahar Bojlal
- Hassan Okour
- Hamza al Mustafa
This structure ensures diverse perspectives and oversight in the organization's operations and reporting.
Official Presence
Accessing Information
The Syrian Network for Human Rights maintains an official website where it publishes its reports, findings, and organizational details. This platform serves as a primary source for its documentation and advocacy efforts.
Official Website: snhr.org
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References
References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. The AI has processed and synthesized this information to present it in an accessible format for higher education students.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional legal consultation, human rights advocacy, or geopolitical analysis. Always consult with qualified experts and refer to official documentation for critical decision-making or understanding complex situations.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Users are encouraged to cross-reference information with primary sources and expert opinions.