The destructiveness and violence of the Syrian conflict has contributed to the loss of important official records and documents, including court records, property deeds, and other legal documents. In particular, the destruction of property deeds presents an obstacle to the return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), who may no longer be able to prove property ownership. In a survey of more than 10,000 IDPs, TDA found that only one-third of those who had been forcibly displaced from their homes during the conflict were in possession of documents proving property ownership.
To date, TDA has collaborated with lawyers and local communities to scan and safeguard over 2 million official documents – one-third of which are property deeds – to facilitate the safe return of refugees and IDPs.
