The conflict in Syria nears its ninth year. While Syrians are struggling with the continuous violence, it is now more important than ever to hear the voices of Syrian activists. How can civil society actors still work on building a better Syria when there is an ongoing conflict? We talk with three Syrian activists about the current situation and needs on the ground in Syria. 

Our three Syrian guests have leadership roles in their communities since the start of the revolution in 2011. They come from different areas in Syria and all have a different background. During the evening they will give a short talk, followed by a moderate discussion. Topics that we discuss are the possibilities for a political solution, the role of Syrian women as peacemakers, and the humanitarian situation and continuous violence in Idlib, Ghouta, Raqqa and Afrin. 

Due to the ongoing restrictions on travel for Syrians, this evening will be an important and rare opportunity to hear from people who have first-hand experiences that can help create better approaches and policies to transform the Syrian conflict.

About the speakers

• Noura Burhan. Program Director at the Center for Civil Society and Democracy (CCSD)’s ‘Women for the Future of Syria’ program. She has extensive experience in peacebuilding from the local level to the regional and international level and works on women’s empowerment and peace initiatives in Syria and the region.
• Mohammad Badran. Mohammad is originally from Damascus. He is a member of the National committee for the Syrian civil platform. He works in the education field with Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. He has developed and supported education initiatives to address the challenges of Syrian children and their families. He has also been active in many campaigns for refugees’ rights to try to alleviate the urgent issues and discrimination faced by Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
• Renas Sino. Co-founder and co-director of the Center for Civil Society and Democracy. He participated in Since the beginning of the Syrian revolution in 2011. He also participated in planning and mobilization and took part in peaceful demonstrations as well as fund-raising activities.
• Moderator is Esseline van de Sande. Storyteller, trainer and coach in The Netherlands and the Middle East. Since the war in Syria Esseline has been actively involved in humanitarian projects for Syrian refugees and co-founder of the Great Middle East Platform.

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About this programme

This programme is organized as part of the ‘Syrian Voices Matter: Syrian Women and Syrian Civil Society Mission to Europe’ taking place in The Hague, Brussels and Paris from November 26 until December 1, 2018. The mission is organized by the Center for Civil Society and Democracy (CCSD).