When Syrians recall the memories of 2011, those moments filled with hope and optimism come to mind—when young men and women flooded the squares and streets, their voices rising in demand for freedom and dignity. Their eyes sparkled with hope for a better tomorrow, and their hearts were full of determination to bring about real change to end decades of oppression and tyranny. Back then, the dream of democracy was more than just a political demand; it was an expression of an entire generation’s aspirations for a life filled with justice, where freedom of expression and participation in decision-making prevail. However, what was once a shared dream for all Syrians quickly turned into a nightmare of violence and repression.
The popular uprising was only the beginning of a difficult journey, one that Syrians hoped would lead to the establishment of a democratic system that guarantees rights and respects freedoms. But the response to these demands was harsh and violent. Instead of dialogue and listening, the ruling regime chose repression and torture, turning prisons into places crowded with thousands of detainees and forcibly disappeared individuals. These detainees are not just numbers or isolated cases; they are human stories filled with unfulfilled hopes and dreams, with souls yearning for the day they will regain their freedom. Each detainee languishing in the darkness is a living reminder of the price paid in the struggle for democracy.
Democracy is not merely a political mechanism for organizing elections; it is a value system based on respect for humanity, representing all segments of the people in governance and law, while also promoting justice and equality. In Syria, the absence of justice remains one of the biggest obstacles to achieving a genuine democratic transition. How can we talk about democracy in the face of ongoing arbitrary arrests and torture? How can the Syrian people trust in a better future without holding the perpetrators of crimes accountable and without justice being served to the victims? The absence of justice renders any conversation about democracy incomplete, failing to address the root causes of the problem.
To set Syria on the path toward democracy, we must first achieve justice. Transitional justice is one of the key tools for addressing past violations and ensuring they are not repeated. The files of detainees and the disappeared must be opened, and there must be transparent and independent investigations to hold those responsible for crimes against humanity accountable. This process not only restores the rights of victims but also strengthens trust between the state and society, laying the foundations for lasting peace. Justice is not only a legal requirement; it is a humanitarian necessity that heals the wounds of families who have lost loved ones and restores the cohesion and strength of society.
In this context, the importance of the International Day of Democracy is highlighted, reminding the world of the need for countries to ensure the rights of their people and involve them in the political process. This year, the focus is renewed on “Empowering the Next Generation,” which aligns with what Syria needs today. Syrian youth, who have lived through war and destruction, and who have faced repression and marginalization, are the hope for rebuilding their homeland. Empowering them to participate politically and providing them with opportunities to express their opinions is the cornerstone of any future democratic transition. These young people are not just victims; they are also the leaders of the future, and their active participation is the guarantee for building a society based on justice and equality.
Therefore, the efforts of the international community and the United Nations must focus on supporting Syrian youth and providing the necessary education and training to enhance their awareness of their rights and responsibilities. Local initiatives that aim to document violations and provide legal and psychological support to victims should also be supported. Promoting legal awareness and spreading knowledge of human rights are two essential steps in shaping a generation capable of leading the democratic transition and participating in building a new future.
Today, more than ever, the international community is called upon to take responsibility for the Syrian people. There must be continuous international pressure on the regime to release political prisoners and reveal the fate of the forcibly disappeared. Initiatives for transitional justice must be supported, and the necessary resources must be provided to ensure justice is achieved. The path to democracy is not easy, but it is the only path to achieving lasting peace and real stability in Syria.
The dream of democracy remains alive in the hearts of Syrians, despite all the pain and suffering. It is the dream of mothers waiting for the return of their children, and the dream of young people who see in the future a hope for a dignified life. Achieving this dream requires a collective commitment to justice and freedom and a shared vision to build a homeland that accommodates everyone and respects the rights of every individual. Democracy is not an unattainable goal; it is a continuous process that begins with achieving justice and continues with involving everyone in building a future worthy of the sacrifices and aspirations of the Syrian people.
Sally Shobat
Advocacy Officer at the Syrian Forum
