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RASD-Syria: Strengthening Democratic Accountability and Citizen Participation

RASD-Syria is a national initiative advancing transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in Syria’s evolving governance landscape.

The initiative builds a trained civil society network capable of observing, analyzing, and communicating on governance and democratic processes. By fostering civic engagement grounded in integrity and inclusivity, RASD-Syria contributes to rebuilding trust between citizens and emerging governance structures across the country.

Our Purpose

At the heart of RASD-Syria lies a commitment to credible governance and participatory democracy. The initiative equips civil society actors with the skills, frameworks, and ethical standards needed to observe governance processes impartially and to promote transparency. In doing so, RASD-Syria seeks to ensure that Syria’s transition is not only political, but genuinely accountable to its citizens.

Strategic Objectives

Establish a National Network

Establish a national network of trained observers and civic organizations to monitor governance with professionalism and neutrality.

Advance Citizen Awareness

Advance civic education on democratic participation, the rule of law, and the principles of accountability and transparency.

Strengthen Institutional Capacity

Strengthen the capacity of emerging institutions, including electoral and administrative bodies, to uphold credibility and public trust.

Lay the Foundation

Lay the foundation for long-term democratic accountability, enabling civil society to produce evidence-based assessments.

Our Approach

RASD-Syria integrates civic participation with institutional accountability through three interconnected pathways:

National Observer Network

A network of trained national observers drawn from local organizations across all governorates.

Civic Education & Awareness

Continuous engagement with citizens to enhance understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

Institutional Engagement

Collaboration with local councils and administrative bodies to strengthen procedures and transparency.

Scope and Reach

RASD-Syria operates nationally, engaging local partners from all Syrian governorates. It adapts its methodology to local contexts, ensuring representation of women, youth, and marginalized groups.

Impact and Vision

RASD-Syria envisions a Syria where citizens participate meaningfully in shaping governance. By institutionalizing civic observation, the initiative establishes a durable mechanism for democratic oversight.

Implementation

Implemented by the Stabilization Support Unit (SSU), RASD-Syria draws on over a decade of experience in governance reform and civic engagement. Through partnerships with community-based organizations, SSU ensures that RASD-Syria remains locally anchored and nationally coordinated.