Syria is free: An update from our partners.

‘Syria is free!’ These are the words of one of our Syrian partners, Child Guardians.

After 13 years of devastating conflict and over 50 years of the Assad regime, Syria is free. Bashar al-Assad, the president of Syria for the past 24 years, was overthrown. For the first time in over a decade, Syrians can begin envisioning a future free from war and oppression.

Now, more than ever, we have the chance to show Syrians we stand with them and support their vision for a peaceful future.

The Syrian Conflict.

The Syrian conflict, which began during the peaceful protests of Arab Spring in 2011, quickly spiralled into one of the most devastating wars of our time.

More than 600,000 people have been killed, and over 13 million have been displaced − over half of the Syrian population. Infrastructure crumbled and the economy collapsed. Entire cities lie in ruins.

Over the years, the country became a battleground for numerous factions and foreign powers, with ordinary Syrians bearing the consequences. UN Security Council resolutions were vetoed, ceasefires consistently broke down and calls for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the country were regularly blocked by Assad’s Government.

This conflict was not inevitable — it was the result of choices made by governments and systems of power.

Despite numerous attempts at peace talks, sustainable solutions have remained elusive, the near 14 years of conflict stood as stark reminder of how international interference too often hinders any hope of peace. Foreign powers used Syria to fight proxy wars, stalling any progress for freedom. Yet, through it all, Syrians and local peacebuilders remained resilient and now, they finally can begin building the future they envision for themselves.

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How can we help?

At Peace Direct, we have long believed in the power of locally led efforts to transform lives and lay the foundation for lasting peace. Our Syrian partners have worked tirelessly to mediate disputes, support displaced families, and provide trauma healing for those affected by the conflict. Now, their work is more important than ever as communities move toward recovery and renewal.

We have been in communication with our partners regularly since violence escalated again in November. Yet, today, the conversation is one full of hope and excitement for the progress that can be made.

While the challenges of rebuilding Syria are immense, so is the potential for transformation. This is a moment for the international community to listen to Syrians, amplify their voices, and invest in locally led peacebuilding initiatives.

90% of Syrians are still living in poverty and whilst the opportunity for transformation is now more possible than ever, we must not turn our backs on them now. Our partners are working directly with people across Syria to ensure they receive the humanitarian support they need as freezing conditions sweep the country.

Swaadna Al Souriya Organization (SAO) focuses on supporting children affected by the #Syrian conflict to return to school, which reduces their vulnerability to recruitment by armed groups or early marriage and provides them with a safe space to recover from the trauma of the conflict. Child Guardians supports children affected by conflict, equipping them with the skills to resolve disputes and promote #peace in their communities. By fostering leadership and resilience, they are creating a safer, more hopeful future for the next generation. 

Supporting local peacebuilding has never been more important. Our partners have the knowledge and expertise to ensure Syria can regain control over their futures and live in peace. 

In the words of Child Guardians:

‘Today, we stop documenting violations and begin writing the history of a free Syria…We are partners in this.’