On 1 October, the Rights Defense Initiative (RDI), in partnership with the Suryana al-Amal Team, held the fifth dialogue session of the project “Together for Civil Peace and Social Cohesion” in Idlib city. The session saw broad participation from civil society activists and CSO representatives, legal professionals, and community actors, alongside notable representation from the city’s diverse local components.
From Isolation to Engagement
The discussions reflected Idlib’s experience of isolation and marginalization due to the siege imposed by the former Syrian regime. Participants expressed a clear aspiration to break this isolation by enhancing the city’s role and engagement in the current context—through wider participation and by opening channels of communication and interaction with other governorates.
The session addressed three main themes: civil peace, transitional justice, and the role of media and social networking platforms in supporting social cohesion.
Civil Peace and Transitional Justice
Participants stressed that achieving civil peace is contingent on realizing transitional justice first; sustainable peace cannot be established without holding those responsible for crimes and violations—killings, displacement, and the loss of rights—accountable. They affirmed that transitional justice is a key entry point to citizenship, and that the path toward civil peace requires time and sustained efforts to rebuild trust and prevent distortion of the Syrian revolution’s narrative.
Transitional Justice and Documenting Violations
The discussions highlighted the importance of involving victims and their families in this process and faithfully conveying their testimonies, alongside precise documentation of violations. It was emphasized that transitional justice is not limited to accountability; it also includes reparation, institutional reform, and guarantees of non-recurrence.
Media and Hate Speech
Attendees agreed that the media plays a decisive role in documenting the transitional phase and conveying facts professionally, away from falsification. They also pointed to the dual role of social media, which can either promote dialogue or become a platform for incitement and hate speech. There was a call for safeguards and regulatory measures that hold incitement to account and ensure that media is used in ways that serve justice and civil peace, while respecting freedom of expression.
Conclusion
Participants concluded that continuing such meetings is not a luxury but a necessity for building common ground—enabling Idlib to break prevailing stereotypes and to play an active role as a partner in any pathway toward justice, peace, and stability