This research paper outlines the pressing priorities of Syrian men and women in the coming phase, based on a comprehensive multi-dimensional analysis covering the social, political, legal, and economic aspects, in addition to the concerns of vulnerable groups. The study aims to provide an integrated vision for building a cohesive and stable society, with a focus on strengthening trust between the authorities and the community, ensuring transitional justice, and fostering sustainable development.

The results of the study revealed a clear consensus that rebuilding social cohesion and improving economic conditions are top priorities. Participants emphasized the importance of launching safe and inclusive dialogues that encompass all components of Syrian society, particularly given the increasing fragmentation and deepening societal divisions experienced in recent years.

Respondents directly linked social stability and solidarity with improved living conditions and job creation. They indicated that the restoration and enhancement of education and healthcare services were essential entry points to rebuild trust in institutions and empower younger generations. In the education sector, high costs and the absence of qualified teachers were the most cited challenges. In healthcare, key barriers included the high cost of treatment, the lack of necessary medical equipment, and the difficulty of access to care.

Politically, despite ongoing insecurity, economic instability, and the absence of credible political parties, approximately 79% of respondents expressed interest or engagement in public affairs. Participants stressed the need for legal reforms, the promotion of transparency and good governance, and the inclusion of youth and women in public and political life. They viewed these measures as prerequisites for re-establishing institutional legitimacy and trust.

Economically, the majority of participants emphasized the urgency of revising existing laws and supporting priority sectors. About 77% considered the amendment of economic laws an essential step. Agriculture and food security came first in the list of sectoral priorities (51%), followed by the justice sector (37%), infrastructure (32%), and healthcare (31%). Participants cited corruption, weak services, and lack of investment as major barriers to recovery and development. They called for economic empowerment initiatives, vocational training, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as the rehabilitation of infrastructure and public services.

With regard to justice and rights, there was widespread awareness of the concept of transitional justice, and approximately 73% of participants considered it necessary for ensuring stability and accountability. Respondents supported a comprehensive approach that includes prosecution of violators, compensation for victims, institutional reform, and community reconciliation. Gaps in freedom of expression, women’s rights, and the rights of persons with disabilities were identified as critical challenges, along with the need to ensure an independent judiciary and effective legal guarantees.

Concerning vulnerable groups, the top three concerns were: lack of financial and social support, exclusion from decision-making, and poor access to services. Participants highlighted the compounded hardships faced by female-headed households, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and returning refugees. They pointed to widespread landmine contamination, which affects over 80% of agricultural areas in some regions, limiting access to food and livelihoods. Women with disabilities face compounded barriers to protection services and access to rights. Displaced children suffer from major disruptions to education, lacking schools and documentation, especially in rural and informal settlements.

Participants called for anti-discrimination laws, inclusive political and governance frameworks, specialized legal aid for women survivors of violence, economic empowerment programs, and social and psychological support mechanisms. These demands reflect the urgent need for policies that are sensitive to the intersecting forms of vulnerability experienced by large segments of the population.

In light of these clearly expressed priorities, the study stresses the importance of immediate support for comprehensive recovery programs and the promotion of just and effective governance. These findings represent a valuable reference for policymakers, donors, and international actors aiming to align their interventions with the needs and aspirations of Syrian communities and enhance the prospects of building a stable, inclusive, and rights-based future for all.

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