A Call for Transformative Justice: Perceptions of Justice in the Syrian Arab Republic in the Early Phase of Transition

As Syria enters a pivotal transitional phase, a new report by Legal Action Worldwide captures how Syrians themselves understand justice, accountability, and the path toward peace. Drawing on a nationwide survey conducted across 13 governorates, “A Call for Transformative Justice: Perceptions of Justice in the Syrian Arab Republic in the Early Phase of Transition” offers the first large-scale, inside-Syria snapshot of public expectations at the outset of the country’s transitional justice process. 

At a moment when new institutions are being formed and key policy choices are being made, the report provides empirical evidence of what Syrians want from justice – and what they believe is necessary to prevent the recurrence of mass violations. 

Key findings include: 

• Justice is defined in transformative terms: Nearly half of respondents define justice as the restoration of rights, with others emphasising equality, the rule of law, and rebuilding the foundations of peaceful coexistence. 

• Justice is essential for peace: 91% of respondents say justice is necessary to achieve lasting peace in Syria. 

• Accountability remains central: 63% rank punishment of perpetrators as their top priority, and 83% place it among their top three justice measures. 

• Blanket amnesties lack public support: 84% reject blanket amnesties for serious crimes. 

• Truth matters: 89% say an accurate and accessible historical record of the conflict is important or very important. 

• Survivor participation is a core expectation: 85% say victim participation in justice processes is important or very important, rising to 76% among those who experienced detention. 

• Women and minorities articulate the strongest demands for rights, equality, protection, and institutional reform. 

Together, the findings reveal a clear public mandate for a transformative justice agenda that emphasises process the forward-looking potential of transitional justice. Respondents are calling for a transitional justice process that not only addresses past abuses, but transforms the systems that enabled them. 

The report is based on a mixed-method survey of 1,101 respondents conducted between July and September 2025, in partnership with Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ), the Syrian Center for Legal Studies and Research (SCLSR), and MIDMAR. While not statistically representative, the survey’s scale, diversity, and geographic reach provide a robust evidence base to inform transitional justice policy and practice at this critical juncture.