The Syrian Legal Development Programme (SLDP) was established in 2013 to address complex legal needs arising form the conflict, and operates as a non-aligned, non- governmental organisation working in non-state controlled areas of Syria.
About Us
Overview
The Syrian Legal Development Programme (SLDP) was established in 2013 and operates as a non-aligned, non- governmental organisation working in non-state controlled areas of Syria. The idea of SLDP emerged as a result of the Syrian conflict, which erupted in 2011, after realising the importance of addressing complex legal needs triggered by conflicts.
These needs concern both the country as a whole and different stakeholders in the conflict. It is of outmost importance to address legal voids in order to prevent major human rights violations and uphold the rule of law, a task that is particularly complex for conflict areas.
Different stakeholders, such as humanitarian workers and NGOs, civil society organisation and the general public have many and various legal needs. Addressing these needs for Syrians is a task with huge challenges due to the ever changing dynamics of the conflict. SLDP has made its mission to utilise its legal expertise and contextual knowledge to address current and developing legal needs in Syria.
Through its team of researchers, lawyers, on-the-ground trainers and human rights advocates, SLDP’s mandate is to promote human rights and the rule of law to minimise the adverse humanitarian consequences of the Syrian conflict.
Our Expertise
International law, Language and Access
SLDP offers a unique combination of legal expertise, field analysis and academic research which it combines with its political knowledge and strategic thinking. We understand the practical challenges facing those working in such areas, and have strong language abilities, cultural and political understanding which enables us to adapt to the ever changing and risky dynamics of this conflict.
Through SLDP’s widespread links with leading experts in international law and its strong ties and networks with different international and local organizations and institutions worldwide, we have been able to offer high quality consultations and training to those in need, on a variety of legal topics such as International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, Public International Law and International Criminal Law.
Our scope of work
From the field to the policy makers and back!
SLDP’s scope of work embraces a variety of services, projects and activities that are implemented either in Syria itself, neighbouring countries and other states that are involved or have a stake in the conflict. We also hold events and research activities worldwide.
We believe strongly in the rule of law and SLDP utilises international law as its main legal instrument. Issues related to Syria’s domestic laws, or any other domestic jurisdictions that are relevant to the conflict in Syria, do not fall within the scope of work of SLDP unless related to international law.
Our scope of work includes:
Consultations
Trainings
and workshops
Policy
Recommendation
Legal
Assessments
Awareness
campaigns
Our Projects
Tailored to the need
SLDP prides itself on the exceptional quality and variety of its projects. All our projects are specifically tailored in order to meet the needs of both organizations and individuals working on the ground in conflict areas, address wider legal voids and gaps often found in conflicts as well as empower the communities affected with the development of the rule of law.
SLDP’s projects are either our initiative or come as a result of a specific request or need from a partner.
These projects address legal voids found by our team that are vital to be addressed during conflicts. They are also mostly an outcome of our analysis of the conflict dynamics, previous projects, feedback and issues triggered by specific situations. Before quality execution, our self- initiated projects go through a needs assessment that enables us to create concrete project proposals and pitch it to potential partners.
SLDP, supported by GOAL/NGO Forum, developed a handbook in Arabic and English for humanitarian workers in Syria, offering answers to 21 frequently asked questions regarding International Humanitarian Law in the Syrian context. Read more
Initiated, with partners, a project on fair trial guarantees for non-state actors courts. Participants included legal professionals, academics, representatives of inter-governmental and supranational bodies and of governments.
Conducted International Humanitarian Law advocacy for non-state actors to increase their knowledge on the rules of war. Focus was put on targeting, civilian protection, means and method of warfare and the facilitation of aid.
Created video and radio series on International Humanitarian Law broadcasted in Syria. The series was filmed inside Syria, reflecting legal and moral standards, and was aimed to raising public awareness of the laws of war. See Qeyam below
In light of its range of expertise and the diverse scope of work, SLDP is always willing and able to address specific legal requests of stakeholders who are concerned with the advancement of human rights, the rule of law, and the reduction of the suffering in Syria. The requests SLDP receive come from individuals, groups, organisations, or states. After fully analysing the need, SLDP in return provides a tailored response drawing upon it’s legal, cultural and conflict expertise.
Qeyam
Broadcasting the rules of war
Qeyam (Arabic word for `values` or `virtues`) is a media series created by SLDP which aims to reinforce some of the main principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). All the scripts have been designed to incorporate the Syria specific features of the conflict. The environment, setting and scenery in the scripts are designed in a way which aims to allow the audience to fully relate. Although based on legal principles, the scripts are neither idealistic nor theoretical. To make the scripts less of a legalistic nature, the moral responsibility towards fellow Syrians and duty towards the country was emphasized.In order to increase compliance, a positive non-judgmental theme was taken in all scripts.
Qeyam Video
Qeyam videos are currently aired on local Syrian television channels to maximise their audience.
Qeyam Radio
For the first time, seven radio channels have come together to air the series inside Syria. This highlights the acknowledgment and understanding of the importance of these principles and the impact they have on the conflict in Syria. Qeyam radio segments are currently being aired in Aleppo, Idlib, Hama`s suburbs, and Al-Hasaka.
