Hundreds of Palestinian refugees have died under torture in Syrian government prisons since the outburst of the bloody warfare in 2011, among whom 37 women and girls, a human rights group has reported.

Data by the Action Group for Palestinians of Syria (AGPS) has pointed out that the toll of torture among Palestinian refugees in Syria’s state-run jails has hit 620.

Field reporters believe the real numbers to be far higher due to the government’s reticence to reveal the names and fates of Palestinian detainees and the families’ fears to disclose their relatives’ names over retaliation concerns.

The list of victims includes activists, volunteers, medics, engineers, academics, journalists, university students, and artists.

AGPS said more than 1,790 Palestinian refugees, among them children, women and elderly refugees, have been enduring unknown fates in Syrian government lock-ups. Toddlers clinging to their mothers’ arms have also been spotted in Syrian jails.

According to affidavits by ex-detainees, Palestinian refugees have been subjected to harsh psycho-physical torture tactics in Syrian penitentiaries, including electric shocks, heavy beating using iron sticks, and sexual abuse.

AGPS said such practices represent flagrant violations of international law which criminalizes all forms of torture and mistreatment against civilians.

The group urged the Syrian authorities to disclose the condition and whereabouts of Palestinian refugees held in its penitentiaries.