Re-Centering Affected Families within Research Advocacy on Reforming Syria's Gender Discriminatory Nationality Law Post-Assad
This research project considers the timely new prospects to reform gender discrimination within the Nationality Law (GDNL) in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. It particularly focuses on provisions within Syria’s 1969 Nationality Law that prevent Syrian mothers from transmitting citizenship to their children on an equal basis with Syrian fathers. The project is designed through participatory research engagement with mothers and family members affected by this Law and its application, and builds on my previous research on statelessness and citizenship in Syria.
Published on: 15/12/2025
Drawing on consultation with advocates and affected mothers, I propose to analyse the current prospects for reform of Gender Discrimination within the Nationality Law (GDNL) in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. While some consider that we are currently presented with a “golden opportunity” for such legal reform, it is important to consider the intersection with the issue of foreign fighters, and the duty of other states to take responsibility for repatriating their citizens from Syria. The possibility to "naturalise" such individuals as Syrian has prompted controversy on social media. Unpacking public debates on this topic is essential for advocates promoting reform to remove gender discrimination from Syria’s Nationality Law. I intend to hold a series of workshops with affected mothers and family members to discuss and test findings as we develop a policy and strategy briefing document considering different formulations that could be incorporated into possible draft law proposals. Ultimately, we consider how best to mobilise if indeed this could be a “golden opportunity”.