The Global Organization for Civil Society Advancement (GLOCA) convened a workshop in Aleppo to examine the legal and humanitarian obstacles confronting Syrians returning to their homes, with a particular focus on Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) rights. The event gathered legal experts, local representatives, academics, and members of international organizations to discuss current challenges and propose targeted solutions. This report outlines the main discussions and recommendations from the workshop.

The Role of HLP Rights in Post-Conflict Recovery

Housing, Land, and Property rights are essential for ensuring stability and security for individuals in post-conflict settings. In the context of Syria, the protection of these rights is viewed as a foundational element for sustainable reintegration and long-term peacebuilding. Without legal and institutional safeguards, returnees remain vulnerable to further displacement and social instability.

Key Challenges Identified

Legal and Institutional Barriers

• Complex Legal Frameworks:
  Judge Hussam Al-Shahna highlighted the impact of laws such as Law No. 66 and Law No. 10, stating they have been used to penalize political opponents and complicate the restoration of property rights for original owners.

• Destruction of Property Records:
  According to Waddah Qatamawi, former Director of the Real Estate Interests Directorate, the widespread loss of official documentation has significantly hindered returnees’ ability to prove property ownership.

Administrative and Bureaucratic Obstacles

• Corruption:
  Ali Al-Marouh, a member of Aleppo’s Political Committee, underscored the role of administrative corruption in delaying or denying property claims.

• Lack of Digital Infrastructure:
  Engineer Shadi Sharafeddine from Aleppo City Council noted the urgent need to accelerate the digitization of real estate records to improve efficiency and prevent future disputes.

Social and Economic Pressures

• Erosion of Social Cohesion:
  Dr. Mohammad Mabayyed of the University of Aleppo discussed the deepened social divisions resulting from the conflict, complicating efforts to rebuild communities.

• Economic Constraints:
  Participants highlighted the limited financial capacity of returnees to reconstruct damaged homes or regain livelihoods.

Recommendations from the Workshop

Legal Reforms

• Review and Amend Conflict-Era Legislation:
  Judge Al-Shahna advocated for revising or abolishing laws that undermine property rights.

• Ensure Judicial Independence:
  Attendees stressed the importance of an impartial judicial system capable of fairly adjudicating property disputes.

Administrative Improvements

• Restoration and Digitization of Records:
  Efforts should be directed at recovering lost documentation and completing the digital conversion of property records to ensure reliability and access.

• Anti-Corruption Measures:
  Greater transparency and accountability were recommended to address institutional corruption affecting returnee claims.

Social and Economic Support

• Financial Assistance for Reconstruction:
  Engineer Sharafeddine proposed mobilizing international funds to support the rebuilding of homes and livelihoods.

• Social Reintegration Programs:
  Dr. Mabayyed emphasized the importance of initiatives aimed at restoring community ties and fostering reconciliation.

Participants

The workshop brought together a range of local experts and stakeholders, including:

• Judge Hussam Al-Shahna – Expert in property and legal rights

• Engineer Shadi Sharafeddine – Aleppo City Council

• Dr. Mohammad Mabayyed – University of Aleppo

• Waddah Qatamawi – Former Director, Real Estate Interests Directorate

• Ali Al-Marouh – Member, Aleppo Political Committee

Representatives from international and human rights organizations also contributed to the discussions in person and virtually, promoting cross-sectoral knowledge exchange.

Conclusion

The GLOCA workshop underscored the pressing need to address legal, administrative, and socioeconomic barriers to the safe and dignified return of displaced Syrians. Housing, Land, and Property rights remain a central pillar in this effort. Sustainable solutions require coordinated action from national authorities, local communities, and international partners to create the conditions for long-term reintegration and recovery.

Key Points

• HLP rights are central to the reintegration of returnees in Syria.

• Legal and administrative reforms are needed to address institutional barriers.

• Economic and social support is critical for rebuilding communities.

• Continued collaboration among local and international actors is essential for progress.