The UN General Assembly formally instituted on Thursday an autonomous body tasked with conducting investigations into cases of missing persons within the territory of Syria. The body, which will be called the Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria, will further investigate numerous studies showing a widespread and alarming occurrence of individual disappearances since 2011 within the region. 

The resolution to form the body garnered support from 83 nations, with Syria raising objections against its passage. 62 countries opted to abstain from the vote and 11 countries joined Syria in voicing their dissent.

The body’s primary objective will be to locate individuals who have disappeared from within Syria’s borders. The body will also extend support and assistance to victims and their families.

Syria voice its disapproval of the resolution, asserting that it encroaches upon the internal affairs of the state. Syria’s ambassador to the UN Bassam Sabbagh further highlighted the absence of a precise definition of “missing persons,” as used within the resolution.

The body has 80 days to define the specific parameters and scope of its operations. The definitions that the body arrives at will then govern its activities for the duration of its mission.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights previously found that casualties resulting from armed confrontations among the various factions within Syria have exceed half a million lives. In addition, the office estimates that close to 100,000 individuals remain unaccounted for.