Nearly four thousand children were detained by the forces of the former Syrian regime along with their families since the outbreak of the revolution in 2011. Some disappeared completely, while others were secretly placed in orphanages as part of what is known as the "security deposits file" for prisoners' children. The team in Damascus obtained official documents from the Air Force Intelligence Directorate regarding the placement of children in orphanages.
Tracing this case reveals one of the most horrific stories committed by the regime against children in revenge against their families. Through these documents, the team uncovered a criminal history of the Assad regime against its people, making no distinction between adult or child. The team was able to access dozens of documents through the new Syrian regime's institutions that reveal the fate of these children.
A document-driven human rights investigation using scanned secret intelligence files, animated document overlays, and emotional survivor interviews to expose the Assad regime's systematic orphaning of 4,000 children. The stark bureaucratic format of regime documents—stamps, signatures, dates—contrasts with tearful testimonies to reveal state-sponsored child cruelty.
Production Method:
Primary Documents: Scanned Air Force Intelligence files showing children transferred to orphanages as "security deposits"
Survivor Testimonies: Interviews with parents searching for children missing since 2011, clutching faded photos
Document Animation: Key intelligence orders highlighted with redactor-style reveals showing names, dates, orphanage
Distribution Strategy:
Al Jazeera digital platforms