Last modified: 2024-09-16
Abstract
The debate between peace and justice is particularly pressing in the Syrian context, where the question of what should come first—peace or justice—remains unresolved. This research explores whether achieving peace is possible without accountability, rights, and justice, or whether peace must precede these elements. It also considers whether perspectives on this debate vary across different age groups, noting that the older generation might lean towards peace agreements, while younger Syrians, especially those who were 18 to 29 at the beginning of the nonviolent movement, might be more inclined to fight for their rights due to the significant losses they've endured. Additionally, the research examines how the current generation of youth, who have grown up during the war, perceive the balance between peace and justice. The study delves into the power dynamics that differ from one generation to another and explores what compromises people are willing to make for peace. It investigates whether individuals believe they should continue to fight for their rights, who they feel should guarantee those rights, and what responsibilities they are prepared to undertake to ensure that these rights are extended to all social groups. The research argues that rights education could play a crucial role in uniting youth across different regions by fostering a shared identity as defenders of rights or peacebuilders. This shared identity could be a critical factor in advocating for either peace or justice, potentially bridging divides and contributing to a more cohesive approach to resolving the Syrian conflict that includes the voices and contributions of all its citizens. The methodology follows participatory action research led by Syrian youth researchers, who will conduct group discussions using Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed, and other interactive tools to observe interactions and reactions across different generations.
Keywords: Accountability, Intergenerational dialogue, Peacebuilding, Power dynamics, Youth.