Syria’s Gen Z: Citizenship and Perspectives - By Anas Darkawi
Four children from Syria, all 10 years old in 2011, each with their own unique story. Layla, hailing from southern Syria, was forced to leave her home along with her family. They first sought refuge in a neighbouring country before eventually finding a new home in Europe. There, she pursued her education, and today she works there and holds the citizenship of that country. Hussam, born and raised in rural Damascus, was forcefully displaced to northern Syria. He couldn't complete his education and had to take up various professions to make ends meet. He experienced multiple waves of displacement, the most recent being after the devastating earthquake in 2023. Rasha, originally from northern Syria, sought refuge in a neighbouring country but faced countless hurdles in her attempts to reach Europe. Presently, a mother of two, she balances studying and working in the informal economy. Lastly, Tariq, from Homs, had to stay in his city throughout this turbulent period. Currently, he is actively searching for job opportunities abroad.
Today, these four individuals are twenty-two years old. Their names are made up, but their stories are real and represent the experiences of thousands of young Syrians. Their understanding of the world has been shaped by the challenges of the past 12 years. They belong to the "digital" generation known as Generation Z (individuals born after 1997). Although they may not have actively participated in the uprising in Syria and other Arab countries, their lives were profoundly affected by these events, which moulded their earliest memories and impressions of the world. Virtual interaction has become an indispensable part of their lives—a means to learn, communicate, acquire skills, and work. While most of them have enjoyed opportunities to access new knowledge and cultural experiences, they have also faced significant risks such as bullying, privacy violations, isolation, and a loss of purpose.
Do we truly understand the views, values, and aspirations of this generation?
Understanding how the circumstances and varied life experiences of Generation Z have shaped their worldview is of utmost importance. How do they define fundamental concepts like belonging, country, and citizenship? Does their perspective on the future differ depending on their current circumstances? Which communities do they identify with—is it the virtual realm that connects them with like-minded individuals, transcending nationality and geography? Or do they still hold strong ties to their parents, relatives, and their country women and men? Most importantly, how do they envision the future of their region, and do they see themselves playing a role in shaping it?
This generation demands our attention and active engagement across various fields. They serve as a vital bridge between the preceding generations that believed in the possibility of change and the subsequent ones. It is partly their responsibility to pave the way towards overcoming the lingering effects of the conflict and accelerating the arduous journey of change. We must strive to gain deeper insights into the young women and men of this generation, actively involving them in building their own futures, their communities (both in the virtual and physical sense), and perhaps even their alternative homelands where they currently live. We are committed to understanding how their ideas, values, and convictions differ based on their life experiences and present circumstances.
We invite our partners and broader network to share their thoughts and research on this important group and how best to connect, engage, and include them.