Rebuilding Lives of Sednaya Prison Survivors
January 22, 2025
Rebuilding Lives of Sednaya Prison Survivors
Thousands of Sednaya Prison survivors live in dire conditions, with no shelter, urgent medical needs, and untreated psychological trauma. Many lack recognition and support, especially women and children who endured unimaginable violence. To address this, we developed an 18-month rehabilitation program providing medical care, psychological support, job training, and reintegration. Together, we can restore dignity and hope. For detailed information download the full program details
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ARABIC VERSION
Program Highlights:
Objective:
To support and rehabilitate detainees released from Syrian prisons, focusing on medical care, psychological support, job training, and reintegration into society. Special attention will be given to women and children, especially those who suffered sexual violence.
Phase 1: Partner Identification and Information Collection
- Ground Partner Identification:
- Collaborate with Local NGOs and Community Organizations: Partner with established NGOs (e.g., Syrian Red Crescent, International Red Cross) to set up communication channels with local communities.
- Use Local Networks: Work with local communities, local authorities, and religious institutions to identify potential partners.
- Leverage Technology: Work with activists, human rights organizations, and local media to spread awareness and gather information on released detainees.
- Gathering Information on Released Prisoners:
- Initial Data Collection: Use available digital tools to create databases of released prisoners. This includes their names, contact information, and the prisons where they were held.
- Tools for Validation:
- Social Media Platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Telegram) can help identify detainees by their posts, photos, and group affiliations.
- Prisoner Databases: Cross-reference detainee lists with organizations like the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR).
- Humanitarian Organizations: Work with organizations that document abuses, such as Human Rights Watch or Amnesty International, to cross-check prisoner data.
- Online Resources: Use crowd-sourced resources like Syrian Prisoners’ List websites, which collect and verify information about prisoners.
- Verification of Claims:
- Two-Part Interview Process:
- Part 1 – Questionnaire: Verify the validity of the detainee’s claims through a structured questionnaire to identify details such as:
- Prison name and location
- Cell number and descriptions
- Name of other prisoners, guards, and wardens
- Part 2 – Validation of Prisoner Identity: Interview the detainee for specific details (e.g., names of fellow prisoners, guards) to confirm their identity and time in prison. This can be done via in-person meetings or phone interviews.
- Part 1 – Questionnaire: Verify the validity of the detainee’s claims through a structured questionnaire to identify details such as:
- Two-Part Interview Process:
Phase 2: Medical and Psychological Assessment
- Hiring Medical and Psychological Teams:
- Medical Team: Assemble a team of qualified medical professionals (doctors, nurses) to assess the health of detainees, using tools such as medical records and physical examinations.
- Psychological Team: Hire experienced psychologists and mental health specialists to evaluate detainees’ psychological well-being, assessing trauma, PTSD, and the need for further treatment.
- Stage 1: Deep Research & Medical Assessment:
- Meet the Detainees: Conduct face-to-face interviews, and/or phone interviews for remote cases, in two parts:
- First Interview: A detailed questionnaire to establish the detainee’s experience, location, and conditions in prison.
- Second Interview: Medical and psychological assessment, evaluating physical injuries and trauma and documenting them for further care.
- Meet the Detainees: Conduct face-to-face interviews, and/or phone interviews for remote cases, in two parts:
- Psychological Assessment: Detainees will be classified into three categories:
- Critical Cases: Those with complete memory loss or mental imbalance as a result of torture. These cases will require special attention and a tailored program, possibly in a separate unit.
- Moderate Cases: Those suffering from PTSD or other mental health issues. They will require individual counseling and ongoing psychological rehabilitation.
- Mild Cases: Those with mild symptoms who can benefit from group therapy and community support.
Phase 3: Rehabilitation and Vocational Training
- Rehabilitation Programs:
- Job Readiness and Vocational Training: For those without qualifications, a vocational training program will be offered, including skills development, résumé writing, and job interview preparation.
- Job Placement Assistance: Collaboration with small project assistance institutions like Sands Al-Shabab to connect detainees with employment opportunities. These partnerships will also offer micro-loans or business grants to those wishing to start their own businesses.
- Societal Reintegration:
- Mental and Physical Rehabilitation: Continue psychological support for detainees to help them reintegrate into society.
- Housing and Livelihood Support: Assist with finding stable housing and employment opportunities for detainees, ensuring they have the financial and social support needed for reintegration.
Phase 4: Special Focus on Women and Children
- Program for Female Detainees:
- Classification: Identify female detainees, especially those who were raped or became pregnant due to sexual violence. Classify them into groups:
- Women victims of rape and sexual violence
- Women who gave birth as a result of rape during detention
- Tailored Programs: Provide specialized medical care, psychological counseling, and legal assistance for those dealing with trauma from sexual violence.
- Classification: Identify female detainees, especially those who were raped or became pregnant due to sexual violence. Classify them into groups:
- Children of Detainees:
- Identification of Children: Identify children who were detained with their families, separated from their families, or born during detention.
- Specialized Programs for Children: Offer therapy, education, and legal assistance to ensure proper documentation and registration for children born in prison.
Phase 5: Ongoing Support and Follow-up
- Post-Rehabilitation Support:
- Follow-up for 1 Year: Provide ongoing support for up to one year, including monthly check-ins and continued counseling. This will include psychological and practical advice (e.g., business coaching, job counseling).
- Networking with Support Organizations: Collaborate with international NGOs and community networks for long-term support.
- Influencer and Awareness Campaign:
- Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with social media influencers to raise awareness about the program, increase donations, and provide visibility to the project.
- Awareness Campaign: Run digital campaigns to educate the public and garner support for detainee rehabilitation.
Tools and Resources for Verification and Execution:
- Data Collection: Google Forms or Airtable for gathering and organizing detainee information.
- Digital Communication: Zoom or Skype for remote interviews and assessments.
- Verification Tools: Use Telegram channels and Facebook groups, which are popular in Syria for information sharing.
- Health Monitoring: Electronic medical record systems like OpenMRS for tracking detainee health data.
- Psychological Assessments: Use structured tools like the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 or Beck Depression Inventory for clinical evaluations.
This program aims to provide holistic care, from the initial contact with detainees through rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Let me know if you need further details or adjustments!
