In the post-Assad era, empowering and expanding Syria’s civil society landscape will be vital to giving local communities a voice moving forward. Over the past 14 years of uprising and conflict, a resilient Syrian civil society emerged—both within the country and across the diaspora—comprising NGOs, civil society organizations (CSOs), faith-based groups, victim/survivor associations and community-driven grass-roots initiatives of every color and stripe. This post-2011 civil society came to successfully work on humanitarian aid, media, justice and accountability, human rights advocacy and peacebuilding, often in unimaginable conditions. Usually positioned with the opposition, Syria’s civil society now has the opportunity to work with—and help to rebuild—state institutions by informing governance decisions that serve the public interest.
Civil Society’s Oversight Role
For Syria to peacefully transition and rebuild, civil society must be empowered to hold public institutions accountable. This participatory approach not only strengthens the legitimacy of public institutions but also upholds human rights and reduces the risk of corruption. Under Assad, Syria’s highly centralized and bureaucratic governance structure limited the effectiveness of local institutions, leaving many regions isolated from meaningful decision-making processes. The result is a fragile state with hollow institutions that struggle to provide services or maintain legitimacy. Such conditions create fertile ground for informal networks and external actors to fill the power vacuum—often pursuing their own interests at the expense of Syrians’ well-being.
Now is the time to begin building formal partnerships between government bodies and civil society organizations. This would allow for shared oversight of public services, better alignment of local needs with national policies, and increased transparency in governance. A strong and independent civil society will be essential in combatting the decades-old centralization of power and fostering the inclusive, participatory state that Syrians have for so long demanded.
The Role of Community Dialogue
Fourteen years of war and decades under brutal regime control has left Syria fractured by internal divisions—both geographically and along political and sectarian lines. In addition to national initiatives, civil society groups can serve as a bridge between divided communities. Bringing people together to discuss common challenges and shared interests fosters trust, reduces fear and builds civil solidarity.
Establishing platforms for open dialogue, especially in regions formerly divided by lines of control, will help nurture local peace processes and prevent further violence. These spaces must be inclusive, empowering marginalized voices—particularly women and youth—and promoting equal participation in shaping the country’s future.
Supporting Civil Society’s Independence
For civil society to thrive, it must have the resources and autonomy to operate independently of political or external interference. Unfortunately, many Syrian organizations remain heavily dependent on international funding, which can limit their ability to address local priorities. To ensure long-term sustainability, civil society must be supported with financial and technical assistance tailored to their unique contexts and needs.
Equally important is the establishment of independent monitoring and evaluation bodies led by civil society. These bodies can assess the quality and fairness of public services and detect corruption, inefficiency and favoritism. By improving accountability across both the public and private sectors, they help create a culture of transparency and fairness that strengthens the social fabric.
Supporting local civil society initiatives not only builds resilience but also ensures that Syrians are at the forefront of their country’s recovery and development. This gradual transition from dependency on external aid to self-sufficiency will be key to fostering a sustainable and locally owned future for Syria.
The Road Ahead
The resilience of Syria’s civil society under the Assad regime is a testament to the power of local and community-level initiatives. As the country makes its first steps into an uncertain transition period, it is vital to create an enabling environment that allows civil society to sustain itself. Empowering Syrian civil society will not only strengthen governance and promote human rights but also serve as the foundation for a more just, inclusive and peaceful Syria.
