On 12 December 2024, the Syrian NGO Alliance released a statement addressing the recent upheaval in Syria, and expressing their readiness to ‘meet the needs of the Syrian people across the entirety of Syrian territory’ following former Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad’s escape from Syria to Moscow four days earlier. After thirteen years of civil war and decades of the Assad family’s autocratic rule, Syrian rebels had finally managed to seize the capital Damascus, causing Bashar and his closest advisors to flee. It is in no doubt that Assad’s regime brought great economic, political, and humanitarian wreckage to Syria. 

Although Syrian rebel groups fighting Assad’s government had long had the support of Western powers like the United States and the United Kingdom, Assad’s authoritarian rule, with the support of Russia and Iran, left Syria in a state of ruin before the former president’s final defeat. Syria is now left to pick up the ruins of Bashar’s misrule, with no stable leadership as of yet. This marks an increased importance of the role of Syrian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). Civil Society Organisations have been at the forefront of advocating for human rights, peacebuilding, and social justice throughout the Syrian conflict. These organisations, ranging from local initiatives to larger NGOs, are essential to cultivating reconciliation, addressing the needs of displaced populations, and advocating for democratic reforms among Syria’s diverse communities. As more than 500,000 Syrians return to their areas of origin, the country is embarking upon a path towards recovery and reform. CSOs no longer face the legal and systemic obstacles that proliferated under Assad as they attempted to intervene in order to support the Syrian people. Thus, at this juncture, the strength and persistence of these organisations will be key to ensuring a peaceful and sustainable post-Assad Syria.

Economic Contributions of Syrian Civil Society Organizations

Despite the extensive financial donations that have flowed into Syria via NGOs and foreign governments, aimed toward rebuilding local infrastructure, healthcare, and so forth, it will be the contributions of CSOs that help foster long-term economic stability in the region. Local enterprises in Syria make up about 95% of the total enterprises within the country. While not significant in size, these Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in private business, providing job opportunities and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. One non-profit organisation that has recognised the vitality of building and supporting Syria’s MSMEs is the United Nations Development Programme. Since 2023, the UNDP has assisted in creating over 4,000 long-term job opportunities through small Syrian businesses, and has revived over 3,800 microbusinesses within the region. Furthermore, Baytna, a NGO based in Brussels, has executed a multitude of projects in Syria that have helped foster long-term stability and prepare Syrians for a democratic future. Projects such as ‘Life Skills Retreat for Azzaz Youth’ and ‘Syria Women’ have helped to equip Syrians with the necessary skills to build and promote local businesses and provide them with longer-term financial security, further aiding the country’s transition to a more economically stable democracy. Such interventions that focus on the development of pre-existing businesses can serve as a powerful bottom-up economic recovery tool, fostering sustainable economic development for Syrian locals while preserving cultural heritage and local practices.

Social and Cultural Initiatives

Another vital aspect in ensuring the Syrian people’s adaptation towards a more democratic form of governance is through the support of their social cohesion, education, and cultural preservation. Syria Relief has provided a powerful foundation in that respect, being the largest non-governmental education provider in Syria and operating 155 schools in the north of the country. Moreover, the Syrian Society for Social Development has long been establishing programs and vocational training across multiple social areas, including community service, education, and rehabilitation. More recently, they have provided vocational training for women in local enterprises. Notably, Baytna has also worked to preserve Syrian culture by promoting local talent, through projects such as the ‘Rituals Album Project’, funding local musical talent, and ‘Musharaka’ ‘designed to help Syrians residing in Turkey engage in political and social decision making to promote democratic, participatory and inclusive practices.’ Such initiatives have laid the foundation to aid Syrian’s education, social and political awareness, and the preservation of their heritage and culture.

Conclusion

Assad’s departure marks a pivotal turning point for the Syrian people and civil society organisations alike, who no longer have to operate in secret. With unstable leadership, Syria is now crucially in need of the international community’s support to help rebuild the country and move towards a more democratic society. CSOs are a vital tool in the rebuilding of Syrian civil society, not only through providing financial donations, but by providing Syrians with the necessary healthcare, supporting those with psychological trauma, providing adequate education for Syrian children and adults alike, and supporting local enterprises grow and expand in order to build a resilient economy.