After 14 long years of war, Syria finds itself at a critical juncture, facing an uncertain future. The country has been ravaged by conflict, leaving 90 per cent of its population living in poverty. Despite these immense challenges, up to one million people who are currently residing in camps and displacement sites across Syria’s northwest are planning to return to their homes within the next year.
As these Syrians prepare to make the journey back to their war-torn homeland, they are embarking on the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and coming to terms with the past. Waad Al-Kateab, the filmmaker behind the acclaimed documentary “For Sama,” which depicted life under siege in Aleppo before she fled the country in 2016, has been a steadfast advocate for the Syrian people. She co-founded Action For Sama, a campaign that champions human rights, dignity, and accountability for all.
In an interview with UN News, Al-Kateab reflects on the pivotal moment that Syria finds itself in and expresses her unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is not forgotten as the country navigates this new chapter. The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
UN News: Waad, how have you been processing the events of the past few months?
Waad Al-Kateab: The past few months have been incredibly overwhelming. We are filled with a mix of emotions – joy, disbelief, and relief. It was something that seemed like an unattainable dream for so long. Personally, I never thought I would see the day when I could return to Syria. The idea of being able to go back home and witness a new beginning felt like a distant fantasy. And yet, here we are, on the brink of a new chapter. It’s a surreal feeling, and I still find myself questioning whether this is reality or just a beautiful dream.
The pain and suffering that we endured over the past 14 years – and for many others, even longer under the oppressive rule of Hafez al-Assad – has been immense. It’s hard to process all the trauma and loss that we have experienced. But despite the hardships, we are grateful for this opportunity for a fresh start.
UN News: Have you been in touch with individuals on the ground in Syria? What are they sharing with you?
Waad Al-Kateab: Due to my refugee status, I have not been able to physically return to Syria yet. However, I am actively working towards obtaining UK citizenship, which would allow me the freedom to travel back to my homeland. In the meantime, my parents and some friends have already made the journey back to Syria in January. I have also been able to stay in communication with my family members who never left Syria, which was a luxury I did not have before due to security concerns.
The accounts I have received from those who have returned paint a challenging picture of the current situation in Syria. The country is weary, the economy is in dire straits, and basic services like electricity and water are scarce. Despite these hardships, there is a sense of cautious optimism among the people. They see this as a new beginning, a chance to rebuild and reshape their future. There is fear, but there is also a sense of empowerment and determination to overcome whatever obstacles lie ahead.
UN News: During your time in Aleppo, you documented the resilience of the Syrian people amidst the devastation. What memories from that period have stayed with you?
Waad Al-Kateab: One of the moments that still haunts me to this day is when we were forcibly displaced from Aleppo. It was a heartbreaking experience to see my city torn apart by war and to be uprooted from the place that held so many memories for me. Throughout my time in Aleppo, I witnessed the unwavering strength and courage of the Syrian people, who refused to be silenced by the brutality of the regime.
I realized early on that we were fighting against a ruthless dictatorship that would stop at nothing to crush any form of dissent. Despite the immense suffering and loss that surrounded us, I was inspired by the resilience and solidarity of the Syrian people. Their ability to find hope and joy in the midst of chaos is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
As Syria embarks on this new chapter, it is crucial that we remember the sacrifices made by countless individuals and honor their legacy by striving for justice, accountability, and a better future for all Syrians. Together, we can rebuild what has been destroyed and forge a path towards peace and reconciliation.
