How Social Workers Can Help Rebuild Syria Post-Transition

Syria’s five decades of dictatorship came to a dramatic end on December 8, 2024, when opposition forces took control of the capital, Damascus. They were met with no resistance and, to most of the world’s surprise, took power peacefully. That opposition is now Syria’s transitional government, tasked with moving the country from half a century of dictatorship to elections and improving the lives of millions of citizens. With its focus on social justice, service, and human worth and dignity, social work is uniquely positioned to play a role in the transition period and help a deeply wounded society begin to heal. This Practice Update argues that social workers can assist in four specific domains: (1) working with children and schools, (2) working with recently freed prisoners, (3) processing the historical trauma of dictatorship, and (4) helping institutional building in the transition period and beyond. Though involvement in postconflict resolution may seem alien to the majority of social workers today, the profession is uniquely qualified to help Syrians navigate this critical juncture and begin the long process of healing.