On the last day of the year, the High Representative reiterates her concern at the fate of the human rights activist Razan Zeitouneh and her three associates – Wael Hamadeh, Nazem al-Hammadi, and Samira al-Khalil – who were abducted from the Damascus suburb of Douma by unknown gunmen three weeks ago.

She shares the increasing dismay of the Syrian people and the international community at what has happened to some of the most courageous and peaceful civil activists operating
inside Syria.

The High Representative is alarmed that there has been no progress in identifying the perpetrators and the whereabouts of the abducted activists. Each day that passes increases the risks to their well-being.

It is imperative that all those with access to the individuals responsible for ordering the abduction help bring about the release of the activists through all possible means.