A focal session was launched under the Restorative Justice Initiative in Dhi al-Barh, Saber Al-Mawadem District, with the participation of local actors, civil society representatives, educators, community figures, notables, and sheikhs. The session centered on mutual listening between the two parties to the local conflict, understanding the roots of the problem, and shaping practical solutions to foster coexistence and repair harm in conflict-affected areas.
Opening and Framework
Coordinators from the Abductees’ Mothers Association welcomed participants, stressing that the war has left deep social fragmentation and widened divisions. They emphasized that the initiative seeks to create space for meeting, listening, and presenting realistic proposals that pave the way for broader community understandings. It was agreed that discussing issues openly is a necessary step toward sustainable solutions, leading to positive peace rooted in development and in addressing the consequences of violations.
Ground Realities and Urgent Needs
Participants shared a field-based picture of urgent needs in damaged and semi-isolated areas, including a lack of health services, difficult road access, and the absence of educational facilities—citing villages such as al-Sarari and al-Barh al-Nydani affected by conflict and displacement. Complaints were also raised regarding land and property disputes and accumulated social conflicts exacerbated by the weak presence of state institutions.
One participant stressed: “There can be no real peace without joint solutions that consider youth, women, and all groups, beginning with restoring normal life through basic services, food security, education, and health.”
Conflict Analysis: From Understanding to Service Delivery
The team underlined the importance of examining the roots of conflicts, both major and minor, before introducing any service, so as not to risk fueling new disputes. They emphasized that any intervention must consider the local context and the sensitivity of relationships within villages, with active involvement of community leaders, women, and youth.
Initial Outcomes and Next Steps
The session concluded with a set of practical recommendations, including:
- Conducting a comprehensive survey of damages and needs in affected areas, prioritizing health, education, roads, and food security.
- Establishing a legal support network for land and property disputes, and adopting an initiative to appoint lawyers for those unable to afford representation.
- Developing a community communication and media plan to correct stereotypes about villages labeled as tension zones, highlight their readiness for peace, and ensure systematic youth and women engagement in formulating and following up on solutions, through parent councils and community associations.
The initiative also called on local authorities and humanitarian and development organizations to coordinate with communities, deliver services to remote areas, establish temporary health and school units where needed, and begin both material and psychosocial rehabilitation for communities, enabling them to move through the post-conflict stage.
It is worth noting that the initiative is part of the SPARK Project, implemented by the Abductees’ Mothers Association in partnership with SAM for Rights and Liberties and with the support of the DT Institute.
