The Syrian Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor launched its national strategic plan (2026–2028), aimed at ensuring equitable access to social services, promoting decent work for those able to work, empowering women and protecting them from violence, strengthening the social and economic integration of returnees, and advancing the digital transformation of the social affairs and labor sector.
The plan was unveiled at the Damascus Opera House on March 8, in the presence of several ministers and representatives of international and local organizations. It seeks to establish a new direction for social work in Syria by building safety nets and a comprehensive social protection system, strengthening protection mechanisms to reach the most vulnerable groups, and promoting empowerment while building partnerships with the private sector and international partners.
Civil society partnership essential
The Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, said the ministry’s work is based on several key priorities, foremost among them achieving social justice and social protection, updating legislation, and ensuring decent and dignified work opportunities for all. The priorities also include strengthening civil peace, empowering women, and improving the ministry’s governance.
Speaking to Enab Baladi, Kabawat explained that the strategy was developed through joint efforts among various departments and directors within the ministry across all Syrian governorates, with the participation of governors and relevant bodies.
Civil society, according to the minister, played an important role in this process. She added that “the government today operates within a framework of full partnership with civil society organizations, which have proven over the past years their value, the importance of their work, and their impact on society.”
Kabawat noted that implementing the strategy cannot be achieved by a single entity, but requires cooperation among all components of the country, from different regions, religions, sects, and ethnic groups. The goal, she said, is to realize the shared aspiration of building a better country for everyone.
She acknowledged the existence of financial and other challenges but stressed that efforts are focused on turning these challenges into opportunities. Kabawat also emphasized the need to continue daily work to rebuild the state, noting that such work represents a shared duty and responsibility in rebuilding Syria.
Strategy focuses on sustainability
For his part, Hani al-Hamza, chairman of the board of the organization “Link,” said that civil society organizations in Syria, including those operating in al-Hasakah governorate (northeastern Syria), participated in launching the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor’s strategy for 2026–2028.
He pointed out that this is the first time the ministry has launched a clear strategic plan that includes interventions across different sectors. One of its most notable features, he said, is its focus on sustainability and the transition from emergency interventions toward building genuine, long-term development.
Al-Hamza added that al-Hasakah governorate may witness the impact of this plan through its Directorate of Social Affairs, and through cooperation between official institutions and civil society organizations in the governorate.
He called for directing greater support to the governorate, particularly in rebuilding infrastructure, restoring governance, and rehabilitating institutions.
According to al-Hamza, eastern Syria previously witnessed interventions by international organizations, but these were largely focused on emergency responses and filling gaps according to the circumstances prevailing at the time.
Today, he said, the priority is to increase coordination between international organizations, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and local civil society organizations to achieve genuine development. This includes community development, youth empowerment, and support for vital sectors such as health and education.
Civil society a key partner in the post-conflict phase
Meanwhile, Hamza Abdullah, executive director of the organization “Ansar,” told Enab Baladi that the launch of the strategy represents an important moment for Syrian civil society. It is the first strategy launched after the liberation phase, giving it symbolic significance in organizing the ministry’s work and its relationship with civil society organizations.
He explained that civil society forms a fundamental pillar of the strategy and a key partner for the Ministry of Social Affairs and other ministries in the process of social reconstruction, particularly during this sensitive period that requires collective efforts.
Abdullah stressed that civil society organizations aim to work with state institutions in a spirit of partnership rather than competition. He noted that during the years of the Syrian conflict, these organizations played a significant role in filling many gaps, making them a trusted partner and an essential sector supporting post-conflict recovery and reconstruction.
He added that civil society organizations currently face several challenges, most notably legal obstacles. The law governing associations in Syria dates back to 1958 and does not keep pace with the requirements of modern institutional work or current governance and operational procedures.
Abdullah also pointed to funding challenges but emphasized that these difficulties could be overcome if genuine support is provided to empower civil society in Syria.
A new chapter between civil society and the government
Earlier, Minister Hind Kabawat told Enab Baladi that civil society in Syria is opening a new chapter with the Syrian government, noting that it had been active during the years of the revolution. She said today’s dialogue represents the beginning of the future, where Syria can be rebuilt through a close partnership between the government and society.
Based on this approach, dialogue between active Syrian civil society organizations and the government began through eight sessions held during the “Dialogue Day” event as part of the Brussels 9 Conference in support of Syria, organized by the European Union for the first time in the Syrian capital Damascus on November 15, 2025.
Participants and organizers of the discussions issued several recommendations during the closing session, most notably:
Transforming the stereotypical perception of civil society from a watchdog approach to one based on coordination, cooperation, and partnership with the Syrian government. Reviewing the laws regulating civil society work and simplifying registration and licensing procedures. Enhancing cooperation between the Syrian government and civil society to advance transitional justice pathways, including linking transitional justice with the issue of the missing to achieve sustainable peace and genuine reconciliation. Helping define core mechanisms of support between civil society and the government to meet the needs of victims in the transitional justice process. Strengthening political participation and the involvement of civil society in engaging citizens and building institutions. Establishing mechanisms that facilitate more inclusive and participatory decision-making processes.
Syrian Social Affairs ministry launches strategic plan, what are its goals? Enab Baladi.
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