Linking the renewal of international cross-border aid entry operations to areas outside the regime’s control, by imposing the term “early recovery”, has raised fears and concerns about the impact that it might have on the rights of Syrians, especially the displaced.
While the proposition of “early recovery” fits with the regime’s interpretation of the “reconstruction” process, violations of property rights continue.
Currently, financing early recovery activities becomes more possible with the rapprochement of the Arab countries with the Syrian regime, which paves the way for merging early recovery and reconstruction activities, and supporting economic stability in Syria under the umbrella of the regime.
On June 13, 2023, The Day After (TDA) and The Syria Report organized a side session during the Brussels Conference, specifically addressing the critical issue of property and housing rights, and the consequential impact of early recovery activities. The session brought together Anwar Majanni, the legal advisor for The Day After (TDA), and Jihad Yaziji, the editor-in-chief of The Syria Report, and it was moderated by Sawsan Abu Zain El-Din, CEO of Madaniya.
Held in Brussels, the session centered around three key themes. Firstly, it examined the violations of housing, land, and property rights faced by individuals who have been displaced or are absentees. Secondly, it discussed the potential dangers of conflating early recovery efforts with reconstruction initiatives and the concerns surrounding initiating such activities without achieving a political solution. Lastly, the session examined the violations within the Syrian real estate laws that undermine housing, land, and property rights.
This side session provided a vital platform for in-depth discussions and analysis on the intersection of early recovery activities, property rights, and the challenges faced by displaced individuals.
