Conference on dealing with the past concludes in Aleppo
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A conference focusing on “dealing with the past within peacebuilding mechanisms” concluded on Wednesday in the city of Aleppo, northern Syria, bringing together civil society actors, local institutions, and political representatives to discuss approaches to justice, accountability, and social recovery.
The conference was organized by the Humanitarian and Development Cooperation Organization in cooperation with the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to organizers.
Speaking to North Press, Bilind Mala Hussein, Executive Director of the Humanitarian and Development Cooperation Organization, said the conference concluded its sessions on Wednesday with broad participation from various sectors.
“The conference concluded today and was attended by civil society actors and activists, local government institutions, transitional government bodies, activists from unions and political parties, in addition to the Syrian Democratic Council,” Hussein said. He added that the gathering aimed to exchange perspectives on what he described as sensitive and essential issues related to dealing with the legacy of the conflict.
Hussein noted that addressing the past has become an urgent necessity for Syrians, particularly following major political changes in the country. “There is no doubt that experience in dealing with the past has become necessary and urgent,” he said, explaining that Syrians are in need of diverse support mechanisms, whether judicial or non-judicial, to help communities recover from the effects of years of conflict.
He pointed out that local communities, especially in Aleppo, endured significant tragedies and widespread violations during the conflict, leaving deep social and psychological scars. According to Hussein, these communities require parallel and complementary paths alongside transitional justice in order to heal and move forward.
The executive director described the Aleppo conference as part of a broader series of similar events held in several Syrian cities, including Qamishli, Hasakah, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Idlib, reflecting growing engagement across different regions on issues related to justice and reconciliation.
Hussein explained that the conference focused on core themes central to dealing with the past, including the right to truth and uncovering the fate of victims, the right to justice and accountability, and the right to reparations. He added that guarantees of non-repetition of violations were also emphasized as a key pillar of peacebuilding efforts.
The conference concluded without issuing a final public statement, according to organizers, who said discussions would contribute to ongoing dialogue initiatives across Syria.