Community Perspectives on Peacebuilding, Local Governance and Transitional Justice Across Eight Governorates

DOZ Research Series No. 01/2026

DOZ Organization is pleased to publish its first research publication under the DOZ Research Series, presenting the findings of a Rapid Needs Assessment conducted across eight governorates in Syria between August and September 2026. The assessment gathered the perspectives of 348 respondents from Damascus, Rural Damascus, Daraa, Sweida, Raqqa, Hasakeh, Tartous, and Latakia on key issues affecting peacebuilding, social cohesion, inclusion, local governance, and transitional justice.

The study highlights that social cohesion remains present but fragile. Communities continue to face the long-term consequences of conflict, economic hardship, displacement, social fragmentation, and weakened trust. At the same time, respondents expressed strong support for reconciliation, community dialogue, inclusive participation, and locally led recovery initiatives as pathways toward sustainable peace and resilience.

Key findings reveal that:

• Social Cohesion was identified as the highest priority for future interventions by 69.5% of respondents.
• Transitional Justice emerged as the second-highest priority, identified by 50.0% of respondents.
• Trust and governance challenges continue to affect community-authority relations, with respondents emphasizing transparency, accountability, and dialogue as essential trust-building measures.
• Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are widely recognized as critical actors in strengthening community resilience and recovery, yet significant barriers continue to limit meaningful participation and inclusion.
• Communities demonstrate strong willingness to engage in reconciliation, healing, and peacebuilding initiatives that foster cooperation and social trust.

The report provides evidence-based insights for humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors seeking to design inclusive, locally informed, and conflict-sensitive programmes across Syria. It further highlights the interconnected nature of social cohesion, governance, inclusion, transitional justice, and community recovery, and offers strategic pathways for future programming and policy engagement.

Report details

• Publisher: DOZ Organization
• Publication Date: September 2026
• Assessment Period: August–September 2026
• Assessment Coverage: 8 Syrian governorates
• Sample Size: 348 respondents
• Methodology: Quantitative Rapid Needs Assessment (Kobo Toolbox survey)

Download the full report:

Rebuilding Trust and Social Cohesion in Syria: Community Perspectives on Peacebuilding, Local Governance and Transitional Justice Across Eight Governorates (DOZ Research Series No. 01/2026).