The Syrian crisis remains one of the most pressing humanitarian tragedies of our time. Millions of people have been displaced, communities devastated, and countless lives disrupted. Adding to this suffering is the harrowing reality of the forcibly detained and disappeared. Thousands of families live in anguish, waiting for news of loved ones whose whereabouts remain unknown. Advocacy plays an indispensable role in ensuring these stories—and the broader suffering of the Syrian people—are not overlooked.
Advocacy is a must for the Syrian cause. It brings global attention to the crisis, demands justice for those forcibly detained, and pushes for decisive action to address the hardships affecting millions. Without advocacy, the voices of those enduring these injustices, as well as the families searching for answers, could be lost in the noise of ongoing conflict.
Our advocacy efforts are dedicated to raising awareness, amplifying the Syrian cause, and shedding light on the humanitarian situation in Syria. Through effective advocacy strategies, we seek to foster international cooperation, mobilize resources, and advocate for sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of Syrians and rebuild their lives by leveraging various channels and platforms, including media outreach, social media campaigns, and collaborations with influential figures and organizations.
We strive to ensure that the voices of those affected by the crisis are heard and that their stories resonate with the world.
Addressing the Implications of the Russian Veto on the Cross-Border Humanitarian Aid Mechanism: Exploring and Evaluating Advocacy Options
A webinar organized in collaboration with Syrian Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The objective was to address the repercussions of the Russian veto on humanitarian aid efforts in Syria, and the implications of the Syrian regime’s decision to extend its approval for ongoing operations through the Bab al-Hawa crossing, both operationally and legally.
The Dutch Canadian Lawsuit Against The Syrian Regime Before The International Court of Justice
A webinar aimed to explore the legal jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice and the potential outcomes of The Dutch Canadian lawsuit. Additionally, the speakers discussed political action and advocacy strategies that civil society organizations can employ, particularly in relation to the ongoing case. Featured speakers included a lawyer and international law consultant, human rights and advocacy activists, and members of the Saydnaya Detainees Association.
The Syria Sanctions Policy Program (SSPP) Launch Event
A webinar conducted to introduce the goals and deliverables of the SSPP (Syrian Sanctions Policy Program), which is a joint effort between the Syrian Forum, Omran for Strategic Studies, and the Observatory of Political and Economic Networks.
The program works toward improving the efficacy of Western sanctions on the Assad regime by bridging the gap between researchers, policymakers, bureaucrats, and politicians to influence Western sanctions on Syria in a way that weakens the Assad regime and increases the likelihood of behavioral change, minimizes the side effects on civilians and removes the hurdles to humanitarian response, counters the narrative, pushed primarily by the regime and its backers, that sanctions are the main reason behind the suffering of civilians, and nuances the narrative that sanctions have no side effects on civilians.
Advocacy Tour on the Sideline of The Human Rights Council and United Nations General Assembly
During the fifty-fourth session of the Human Rights Council at the United Nations Office in Geneva, the Syrian Forum delegation engaged in two days of meetings with various country missions. Discussions centered on ensuring sustained humanitarian aid to Syria and addressing concerns about international investigative mechanisms for human rights violations. Political developments in Syria and the region were also reviewed. Additionally, the delegation organized a side event titled “Reshaping the Future of Syria: Examining the Roles of Unions, Student Unions, and Non-Governmental Organizations in Upholding Human Rights,” sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the European Union. This session focused on the contributions of these entities in Syria and underscored the regime’s exploitation of unions for oppression, emphasizing the vital role of civil society organizations in improving Syria’s situation, while highlighting the humanitarian, health, and economic challenges facing Syrians and the positive impact of civil society organizations in effecting change.
In collaboration with The Atlantic Council’s Syria Project, and The New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy Special Captagon Trade Project, the Syrian Forum organized a public discussion in Washington D.C. to present a thorough analysis of the challenges and suggested strategies outlined in the recently published “U.S. Strategy to Address Captagon,” and to deliberate on their implications for policymakers and think tanks.
The event featured experts from the United States, Syria, the European Union, and the United Kingdom.
Our delegation also had a series of significant meetings with key officials, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, and his Syria team at the U.S. Department of State, the Middle East Bureau of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Director for Humanitarian Assistance Operations at the National Security Council of The White House, the Democratic member of the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations and Related Programs in the U.S. House of Representatives, along with parallel meetings included discussions with the American humanitarian aid coordination team for Syria. The meetings focused on the need for increased American support in northwest Syria, particularly to support stabilization efforts, and the challenges in implementing development work and enhancing early recovery activities in northern Syria.
Meetings with eight permanent missions from both Security Council and non-Security Council members were held, focusing primarily on the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in northern Syria, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Idlib, and underscoring the critical role played by local organizations in meeting essential needs despite being sidelined from decision-making processes.
An agreement was reached to maintain communication and consult on cross-border aid entry while planning periodic updates for potential paths within the General Assembly concerning Syria.
Meeting with the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, along with the American Coalition for Syria (ACS), focusing on the importance of increased stabilization aid, education, and healthcare in northwest Syria, addressing the pressing humanitarian needs of the region, and highlighting the necessity of prioritizing Syria’s plight and the transformative effect that increased support could bring to the region.
Sponsoring the National Muslim Business and Entrepreneur Leadership Summit at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., in collaboration with Emgage. The event brought together senior government officials, community leaders, and business professionals to exchange ideas and explore resources and opportunities from the federal government for the business community. During this event, the Syrian Forum introduced its strategic initiatives aimed at fostering economic empowerment in northern Syria and shaping the future landscape of business and entrepreneurship.
The Narrative and Implications of Sanctions in Syria – Berlin
In collaboration with The Syrian Legal Development Program (SLDP) and The Syrian Civil Society Networks Platform (SCNP), the workshop titled “The Narrative and Implications of Sanctions in Syria” took place in Berlin. This event fostered diverse dialogue among Syrian stakeholders, exploring strategies to hold perpetrators accountable while safeguarding civilians. It aimed to encourage collaboration among civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and experts to address the challenges posed by sanctions in Syria.
Press Conference to Announce the Operational Consortium – Idleb
A joint press conference held in Idleb to announce the operational consortium formed between the Syrian Forum, the Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets), and the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS). The press conference served as a pivotal platform to inform the public, media, and stakeholders about the concerted efforts and coordinated response strategies aimed at addressing the urgent humanitarian needs arising from the earthquake’s aftermath in the affected regions.
