A historic day for Syria
The fall of the Syrian regime marks a historic and hopeful day for many Syrians. After over fifty years under brutal dictatorship, people are celebrating in Syria and around the world. Despite being war-torn, the Syrian people have never lost hope and are now seizing the opportunity to shape a new future.
"This historic moment has been long-awaited since the civil war began in 2011. The initial signs give reason for cautious optimism. Violence has been limited, and the rebel leadership has indicated that everyone will be included in the new Syria. However, the road ahead is challenging", says Secretary General Raymond Johansen in Norwegian People's Aid.
Syria has endured a brutal, totalitarian dictatorship for over fifty years. During the civil war, various rebel groups have struggled to unite across religious, geographical, and political divides.
"Many countries have supported different groups with weapons and material. The transition will be difficult, and it is crucial that the international community respects that Syrians must lead this process", the Secretary General underlines.
NPA has been engaged in Syria since 2012, working in both rebel-controlled and regime-controlled areas.
"We have contributed to humanitarian response, reconciliation, and bridge-building at the local level, and have strengthened democratic forces in Syrian civil society. Since 2021, our humanitarian mine action programme has been registered in Damascus, where we have conducted clearance of explosive remnants", says Johansen.
NPA will continue to support the hard-pressed people facing great challenges. The transition phase will be critical to Syria’s success in creating a better future and an inclusive society for all.
According to Johansen, people have already started returning; many have come back from neighboring countries, and many are waiting at the borders to return.
The new rulers and the Syrian people face major problems. As prisons are now opened, the horrors of the Syrian nightmare are coming to light. Prisoners who have been missing for years are emerging from cells deep underground. Tens of thousands of lives have been destroyed in these prisons, and these individuals must be reintegrated into society.
"After 13 years of war, towns and villages are contaminated by mines and explosives. Undetonated bombs and other explosive remnants of war remain in the ruins of buildings across the country", says Johansen, adding that even around the prisons, there are minefields. "Those trying to free political prisoners risk their lives. The humanitarian needs are still immense, the Syrian economy is on the brink, and the country must be rebuilt both economically and socially."
Johansen believes it is now crucial to support those mobilising to ensure human rights, democratic participation, and freedom during the transition to a new government.
"This civil society has emerged over the 13 years since the popular uprising during the Arab Spring, and NPA has supported many of them throughout this phase. They will be crucial to a successful transition", says Johansen, emphasising the importance of remaining vigilant. Regional actors can play a destructive role, including Turkey in the north with military attacks in Kurdish areas, and Israel increasing its military presence in the occupied Golan Heights.
"We also cannot trust that Iran and Russia, the old regime's main supporters, will allow Syria to find a new future without interference. Therefore, it is important to support agreed international processes that promote the development of a new democratic and inclusive Syria", concludes NPA's Secretary General Raymond Johansen.
