This policy paper examines the emerging regulatory environment for civil society organizations (CSOs) in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime on 8 December 2024. Drawing on a combination of legal analysis and field interviews with diverse NGO representatives, the study captures the uncertainties, tensions, and opportunities shaping Syria’s evolving civic landscape in the aftermath of regime change.

The research reveals that while the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MoSAL) has signaled openness and procedural flexibility in NGO registration, the coexistence of multiple oversight actors—particularly the Humanitarian Action Coordination office (HAC)—has created fragmented and unclear regulatory pathways. This duality has introduced operational ambiguity and reinforced fears among NGOs that the reforms may remain superficial or subject to reversal. The legacy of authoritarian governance continues to weigh heavily, complicating trust-building efforts between state actors and civil society.

Despite these challenges, the current moment offers a unique opening for both NGOs and authorities to redefine their roles. NGOs have proven instrumental in service delivery, advocacy, and community engagement throughout the conflict, and their embedded networks and donor access make them vital players in Syria’s recovery. However, coordination with state actors must not come at the expense of independence. A key challenge lies in balancing bottom-up civic action with top-down institutional frameworks—ensuring that synergy, not subordination, defines future state-CSO relations.

The paper emphasizes the urgent need for legal reform that moves beyond the outdated and restrictive Law No. 93 of 1958. It argues that any new framework must be developed through inclusive and participatory processes rather than imposed unilaterally. Core principles such as the right to freedom of association, transparency in oversight, and protection of financial autonomy are essential foundations for a new social contract between the Syrian state and its civic actors.

In conclusion, the transitional moment following the Assad regime’s fall represents not only a regulatory challenge but also a political opportunity. If approached with mutual respect, transparency, and inclusiveness, this phase could mark the beginning of a more resilient, autonomous, and pluralistic civil society in Syria—one capable of contributing meaningfully to both reconstruction and long-term peacebuilding.