The Rights Defense Initiative (RDI) in partnership with the DeFacto Dialogue Platform held the third dialogue session of the project “Together for Civil Peace and Social Cohesion” in Raqqa, northern Syria. The event brought together human rights activists, community representatives, and civil society actors.
The session focused on efforts to strengthen justice, foster civil peace, and build trust among different communities of society in North and East Syria. It followed two earlier sessions held in Damascus and in Salamiyah, rural Hama, in August.
Discussions revolved around three main themes:
- Transitional Justice: Emphasizing the importance of uncovering the truth, holding perpetrators accountable, providing reparations to victims, and pursuing institutional reform and community reconciliation as foundations for long-term stability.
- Civil Peace in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor: Addressing challenges to local stability, including the legacies of war, unemployment, and social divisions, while underlining the need for community-based initiatives to promote reconciliation and peacebuilding.
- Hate Speech and the Role of Media: Examining the impact of media and social platforms on public opinion, warning against the dangers of hate speech, and highlighting the responsibility of media in promoting tolerance and constructive dialogue.
The session concluded with a set of recommendations stressing the importance of continuing such dialogues to strengthen local participation in building a more just and stable future. Participants emphasized that genuine civil peace requires inclusive community partnerships that protect the rights of victims and counter unilateral policies.
Through these meetings, DeFacto and its partners aim to promote community dialogue and support peace and cohesion efforts through participatory approaches.
