A new report from the Feinstein International Center at Tufts University finds that ending armed conflict or enabling displaced families to return home is not, by itself, enough to rebuild the lives of Syria’s younger generation. Based on the experiences of young people who have lived through years of war, displacement, and a devastating earthquake, the study underscores the importance of justice, accountability, and youth participation in building lasting social cohesion. Youth-Perspectives-Syria.pdfPDF
Published in July 2026, It Will Take Time to Heal: Youth Perspectives on Social Cohesion in Syria presents findings from the Youth in Syria research initiative, a two-year longitudinal study that followed 60 young people aged 14–24 in Afrin District, northern Syria between 2023 and 2025. The cohort included young women and men from diverse ethnic backgrounds, internally displaced persons (IDPs), local residents, persons with disabilities, and survivors of a range of protection violations. Youth-Perspectives-Syria.pdfPDF
According to the report, participants described how years of armed conflict, displacement, demographic change, the 2023 earthquake, and shifting political realities profoundly affected trust, identity, and relationships within their communities. The research also examines protection, livelihoods, mental health, gender, disability, and social cohesion through the lived experiences of the young people interviewed. Youth-Perspectives-Syria.pdfPDF
Participants reported that armed group violence, identity-based discrimination, housing and property disputes, arbitrary detention, and the absence of effective rule of law contributed to deep social fragmentation. The study also documents how the earthquake intensified tensions in some communities by creating new housing disputes and perceptions of unequal humanitarian assistance. Girls and young women described sexual harassment and insecurity as significant barriers to education, employment, and participation in public life. Youth-Perspectives-Syria.pdfPDF
The report further explores the experiences of young people following the post-Assad transition. While some displaced participants returned to their communities with hope, many found homes destroyed, infrastructure severely damaged, and essential services unavailable. Participants emphasized that returning home did not automatically restore trust, stability, or a sense of normal life. Youth-Perspectives-Syria.pdfPDF
Despite these challenges, participants expressed cautious optimism about Syria’s future. They repeatedly emphasized the importance of an impartial justice system, accountability for human rights violations, civilian oversight of security institutions, and meaningful participation of young people in rebuilding their communities. The report recommends inclusive transitional justice mechanisms, transparent resolution of housing and property disputes, equitable assistance, long-term investment in social cohesion, and greater support for youth-led initiatives. Youth-Perspectives-Syria.pdfPDF
The report’s central message is that rebuilding Syria requires more than reconstructing homes, schools, and infrastructure. According to the perspectives shared by the young people who participated in the study, sustainable peace depends on rebuilding trust, addressing past abuses, protecting the rights of children and young people, and ensuring that youth have a meaningful role in shaping the country’s future. Youth-Perspectives-Syria.pdfPDF
Source: It Will Take Time to Heal: Youth Perspectives on Social Cohesion in Syria, Feinstein International Center, Tufts University (July 2026).
