Violations Documentation Center in Syria (VDC)
The Violations Documentation Center in Syria (VDC) is a specialized network of Syrian opposition activists dedicated to the systematic recording of human rights abuses. Established during the early stages of the Syrian Civil War, the VDC serves as a critical archive for documenting victims of violence, detainees, and missing persons, ensuring that these events are recorded for future justice-related procedures.
Operating as a non-profit, non-governmental organization, the VDC works in close collaboration with the Local Coordination Committees of Syria. Its primary mission is to provide an independent and accurate account of violations affecting both civilians and rebels within the country.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: April/June 2011 by Razan Zaitouneh and Mazen Darwish.
- Headquarters: Douma, Syria (Registered in Switzerland).
- Purpose: Independent documentation of human rights violations for future legal use.
- Network: 30–35 investigators and over 30 internationally trained field reporters across all Syrian governorates.
- Reporting: Findings are submitted to the United Nations Security Council.
- Funding: Only accepts support from neutral, unbiased, or independent entities.
Origins and Evolution
The VDC was founded by Razan Zaitouneh, a prominent human rights activist and lawyer, and Mazen Darwish, an advocate for free speech. The organization originally functioned as part of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM). However, after the SCM was raided and disbanded, the VDC emerged as a separate, independent entity.
To maintain a global reach and ensure the safety of its data, the VDC is registered in Switzerland. While its main headquarters are located in Douma, the organization utilizes a vast ground network to gather real-time data from every governorate in Syria.
Documentation Methodology
The VDC adheres to international standards for human rights documentation to ensure the reliability of its data. The organization employs a rigorous three-stage verification process:
- Initial Gathering: Information on victims is collected from hospitals, morgues, family members, media sources, and mosque Imams who performed burials.
- Confirmation: The initial reports are cross-referenced and confirmed for accuracy.
- Completion: Detailed data is added to create a comprehensive and permanent record of the victim.
Medical scholars from Yale and Harvard, writing in The Lancet, have praised the VDC for its careful methods, including the recording of combatant ranks, causes of death, and the specific weapons used. However, they noted certain limitations: the VDC cannot easily report on violations in government-held territories or among pro-government troops, which may lead to an underestimate of total casualties. Additionally, casualties buried under collapsed structures from heavy shelling may be undercounted.
Challenges and Attacks
The VDC has faced significant danger due to its work. On December 9, 2013, masked gunmen raided the Douma office and abducted four members: Razan Zaitouneh, Samira al-Khalil, Nazem Hamadi, and Wael Hamada. This group became known as the "Douma Four." The Army of Islam was suspected of the abduction. Further attacks by Jaysh al-Islam occurred in July 2016 and August 2017.
Following these events, the VDC transitioned its leadership to a group of administrators operating both inside Syria and abroad (specifically in Turkey and Switzerland), supported by two database managers. As of August 2018, the Associated Press reported no definitive evidence of Razan Zaitouneh's fate, though it is suspected she may have been killed around 2017 or later.
Organizational Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Languages | Arabic, English, French |
| Legal Status | Active / Non-Profit NGO |
| Key Affiliations | Local Coordination Committees of Syria |
| Data Frequency | Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly updates |
| Primary Sources | Medical records, families, and burial officials |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the VDC?
The primary goal of the VDC is to provide independent documentation of human rights violations in Syria to serve as a resource for future justice and legal proceedings.
Who founded the Violations Documentation Center?
The center was founded in 2011 by Syrian lawyers and activists Razan Zaitouneh and Mazen Darwish.
How does the VDC verify its data?
The VDC uses a three-stage process involving initial data collection from sources like hospitals and families, followed by a confirmation phase, and finally the completion of a detailed victim record.
What are the limitations of the VDC's reporting?
The VDC has limited access to government-held territories and pro-government troop data, and it may undercount victims trapped under rubble from heavy bombardment.
Who are the "Douma Four"?
The "Douma Four" refers to Razan Zaitouneh, Samira al-Khalil, Nazem Hamadi, and Wael Hamada, who were abducted from the VDC office in Douma in December 2013.