Syrian Civil Society: Real Obstacles Undermining Action and Limiting Impact

Syrian Civil Society: Real Obstacles Undermining Action and Limiting Impact
In an interview with a Syrian civil society activist, we shed light on the main challenges facing civil society organizations both inside Syria and in the diaspora.

Q: How would you describe the current state of Syrian civil society?
 A: Syrian civil society is still in its early stages. It emerged in recent years after decades of repression and authoritarianism. Although there was significant momentum in the early years of the revolution, the situation today is far more complex. NGOs are facing legal and administrative restrictions imposed by the current government, which has canceled old licenses and enforced new conditions that hinder rather than facilitate their work.

Q: What are the main challenges civil society faces on the ground?
 A: There are several intertwined challenges. The first is geographical change: many organizations have expanded their operations beyond previously limited areas and are now working in regions that differ socially and culturally, creating difficulties in adapting to new needs. Legal procedures also vary from one area to another due to different controlling authorities, adding to the logistical and administrative burdens. Corruption remains a significant obstacle, along with declining funding and difficulties in coordination among different actors.

Q: What role does the Syrian diaspora play?
 A: The divisions and social fractures within Syria have extended to the diaspora. We’ve witnessed clashes between opposing groups, including physical violence, as seen recently during opposing demonstrations in Düsseldorf, Germany. There is also a rise in inflammatory rhetoric, even among those who are supposed to be peace activists. Some have isolated themselves within their own “bubbles,” and space for open dialogue has significantly shrunk—aside from a few initiatives that persist in building bridges despite the challenges.

Q: Given this reality, is there still hope for peacebuilding? What can be done?
 A: Peacebuilding is still possible, but it requires rebuilding trust among the components of Syrian society—both within the country and in the diaspora. We must support community dialogue initiatives and efforts that promote mutual understanding instead of exclusion. It is also essential to protect and transparently fund civil society spaces, keeping them independent of political agendas. What we need now is long-term investment in peace education and the fight against populist and inflammatory discourse.

Q: How does international funding and donor policy impact civil society work in Syria and the diaspora?
 A: The impact is very strong. Most Syrian civil society organizations, especially inside Syria, are heavily influenced by donor policies and political interests. This often increases divisions within communities, as different groups adapt their work to fit conflicting donor agendas. Instead of strengthening independence, this dependency has deepened polarization.

Q: What role do women and youth play in Syrian civil society today?
 A: Women play a relatively strong role in civil society, especially given their near absence in the political sphere. In many cases, women’s participation is also encouraged because it aligns with Western donor priorities, which makes women’s involvement a key attraction for funding. As for youth, their participation is natural and widely accepted—they are an essential part of the civil society landscape.

Q: Since the collapse of the Assad regime and the rise of new de facto authorities in various parts of Syria, how has the environment for civil society changed?
 A: The picture is still unclear, but overall, the space for civil society work and expression is better than during the Assad era. Under Assad—father and son—for more than fifty years, civil society was silenced, restricted to basic service provision, and limited to activities that posed no threat to the regime. Today, despite the challenges and restrictions imposed by different authorities, the scope for independent action is broader than before.

Q: What can European civil society actors do differently to support Syrian civil society more effectively?
 A: The most important thing is to support progressive, peace-oriented initiatives that focus on rebuilding social trust and protecting community cohesion. This means avoiding blind alignment with the political interests of donors and instead funding projects that truly serve peacebuilding and civil resilience. Long-term partnerships, based on equality and transparency, are key to helping Syrian civil society remain independent and effective.