LONDON: Civilians across Syria say the country’s recovery risks stalling without greater international support, warning that the lack of jobs, essential services and economic opportunities is pushing communities to the brink, according to new research.
highlights widespread concern that progress towards recovery could falter unless urgent steps are taken to rebuild livelihoods, restore basic services and support locally driven recovery efforts.
Based on interviews and focus group discussions with civilians across eight governorates — Aleppo, Idlib, Homs, Hama, Daraa, Damascus, Tartous and Sweida — the research captures the experiences of men, women, young people and displaced families navigating the country’s fragile post-conflict landscape.
As Syrians mark 15 years since the start of the Syrian Revolution on March 15, 2011, the findings depict a population exhausted by years of conflict, economic collapse and the breakdown of essential infrastructure.
Across the country, civilians consistently identified healthcare, electricity, water, education and shelter as their most urgent needs. Communities reported severe shortages of medicines, rising food prices, limited electricity supply and unsafe access to water, alongside widespread destruction of homes.
Displaced families remain among the hardest hit, often facing the loss of livelihoods while supporting children and elderly relatives with little assistance.
The research also highlights widespread unemployment, particularly among young people. Years of economic isolation and restrictions have sharply limited opportunities in agriculture, industry and the digital economy.
Participants warned that without meaningful economic recovery, migration could increasingly become the only option for young Syrians seeking a better future.
Education has also been heavily disrupted by years of conflict and economic hardship. Many children had to drop out of school either to support their families financially or because school buildings remain damaged or unsafe.
Respondents warned that without urgent investment in schools, teachers and access to education, Syria risks creating a “lost generation” of young people.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to pose a daily threat in many areas, preventing safe returns, schooling and agricultural work.
Despite these challenges, civilians across the regions surveyed expressed a strong desire for peace, inclusive governance and a recovery process rooted in dignity and local ownership.
The report calls for restoring essential services such as healthcare, water, electricity and education, expanding mine clearance efforts, rebuilding schools and investing in job creation and economic opportunities, particularly for young people. It also highlights the need for stronger coordination among international donors to support infrastructure rebuilding and inclusive peacebuilding.
Othman Moqbel, chief executive of AFH, said the anniversary of the uprising should serve as a reminder that recovery must be driven by the needs and voices of Syrians themselves.
“Fifteen years after Syrians first demanded dignity and opportunity, millions are still struggling simply to survive day to day,” he said.
“Syrians are clear about what they need to rebuild their country: functioning services, economic opportunity and the ability to live with dignity,” he added.
He urged greater global support for Syrians.
“The international community’s role should be as a supportive partner, not a controlling one, backing an inclusive political process and providing the financial and technical support needed for reconstruction,” he said.
“Putting communities at the center is not optional. It is the difference between fragile projects and long-lasting recovery. If Syria is to recover after 15 years of conflict, the voices of civilians must be at the heart of that process,” he added.
