Overview
On 10 May 2026, Advancing Civil Society - GLOCA participated in a physical workshop in Aleppo titled “Challenges of Return and Mechanisms to Support Returnees,” organized by Environment and Peace Organization in cooperation with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The workshop was facilitated by Kinda Hourani, with the participation of 20 women from women-led organizations.

Workshop Focus
The workshop discussed the IRC research study on returnees and opened a participatory dialogue with women-led organizations to analyze the challenges, needs, and possible response mechanisms related to return in the Syrian context.

Key Themes

• Presentation and discussion of the IRC research study on returnees.

• Analysis of key findings and recommendations.

• Challenges facing returnees in the Syrian context.

• Priority needs related to return and reintegration.

• The role of women-led organizations in understanding and responding to return issues.

• Exchange of knowledge and field experience among civil society actors.

Key Outputs
Participants shared observations and feedback on the research findings, identified key challenges facing returnees, and developed initial recommendations to support more effective and sustainable responses. The discussion also strengthened knowledge exchange between women-led organizations and helped connect research findings with field realities.

Impact
The workshop highlighted the importance of involving women-led organizations in research discussions, program design, and decision-making related to return. It also reinforced the value of linking evidence, community dialogue, and coordinated civil society action to improve future responses for returnees.

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