On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the Department of Foreign Relations, in collaboration with the Department of Organizations’ Affairs, organized a meeting with several civil society organizations operating in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), in the city of Hasakah.

The meeting was attended by Ms, Elham Ahmad co-chair of the Department of Foriegn Relations and Mr. Khaled Ibrahim a member of the administrative body of the Department of Foriegn Relations.

The meeting touched upon the challenges facing civil sociaty organizations in North and East Syria (NES), and the cooperation between civil society organizations and the DAANES’s institutions. The aim of the meeting is to enhance good governance, and to pesent proposals for future plans.

Ms. Elham Ahmad provided a comprehensive briefing on the current situation at the local, regional, and international levels, highlighting its impact on the Syrian issue and the humanitarian situation in the DAANES’s areas. She also discussed the role of civil society in overcoming the challenges facing the people of NES.

Ahmad emphasized the necessity and importance of continuous partnership and collaboration between DAANES institutions and civil society organizations to achieve sustainable development, advocate for humanitarian issues, and protect human rights. She highlighted that civil society organizations are a fundamental pillar in supporting local communities and enhancing their resilience in the face of exceptional circumstances.

Ahmad added that maintaining stability in the region is largely tied to conflicts occurring outside the area. However, she emphasized that the Syrian national dialogue is the correct and sound foundation for building a unified, democratic Syria both in terms of its people and geography and for ensuring the dignity, sovereignty, and unity of the country.

Ahmad added that countries affected by the migration of Syrians and refugees should prioritize maintaining stability by ensuring the safe return of refugees without fear of persecution. This can be achieved through political stability and by supporting the region in terms of economy, education, and service-oriented projects to improve the living conditions in these areas.

Ahmad emphasized Turkey’s negative role in the Syrian conflict, which destabilizes the country through ongoing attacks on infrastructure, civilians, leaders of SDF, and internal security forces in NES.

At the end of the meeting, several outcomes were reached, the most important of which was holding periodic meetings that include active and influential parties in humanitarian work, such as platforms and support programs that are present in NES.