The Gulf Center for Human Rights (GCHR) has received information regarding reports of alleged torture endured by humanitarian activist Houssam Youssef who was active in collecting information about violations occurring inside Syria, specifically in the area of his residence.

According to information received by the GCHR, Houssam Youssef (20 years old) left his home to see a friend around 6 pm on 24 September 2012, and went missing after that. After inquiring in several police stations, it was possible to confirm the information that he was held at the intelligence department of the Air Force.  According to the recent information received by the GCHR, Houssam was not to be released because of the visibility of the marks of torture and that they would need to heal before he is released.

The last time the GCHR received any information about Houssam Youssef was in October 2012. The GCHR is concerned about the life and safety of Houssam Youssef, especially since torture is most likely to happen when the person is cut off from the outside world. The GCHR condemns his arrest and detention, which it believes are solely related to his peaceful humanitarian activities.

The GCHR urges the Russian government as well as other governments that have influence in Syria, the UN, the EU, and leading human rights organizations to:

1. Call for the immediate release of Houssam Youssef;
2. Immediately ensure that Houssam Youssef has an unfettered access to the medical treatment which he requires;
3. Take all necessary measures to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity and security of Houssam Youssef while he remains in detention;
4. Increase the pressure on the government of Syria to stop the ongoing daily human rights violations as well as escalating attacks on human rights defenders;
5. Guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights defenders in Syria are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment. 

The GCHR reminds the Syrian government that the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998, recognizes the legitimacy of the activities of human rights defenders, their right to freedom of association and to carry out their activities without fear of reprisals. We would particularly draw your attention to Article 5 (b) “For the purpose of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, at the national and international levels  (b)To form, join and participate in non-governmental organizations, associations or groups” and Artice 12 (2) “The State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jureadverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration.”