The Syrian war, which started in March 2011, is now in its fourteenth year, a time during which this psychological and physical scar left quite an imprint on the nation and its population. The marks of the war have been entrenched in Syria society even after the downfall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The Syrian Network of Human Rights (SNHR) and other observatory groups remain critical in reporting the huge toll of human lives, destruction and challenges facing the people of Syria in their pursuit of freedom and dignity.
The Scale of Human Loss and Displacement
The death toll of the fighting was huge as estimates point out. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), some 656,000 people have been killed since the beginning of the war by March 2025. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported 231,108 civilian deaths in 2011-2025 with approximately 91 percent of civilian deaths contributed by the Assad regime and its allies. This will involve more than 202,000 civilians killed by the government itself.
More than 13 million Syrians have been uprooted and almost 6.7 millions of them have started living as refugees in the countries around and more. Millions of people have lost the basic services, shelter and security due to the humanitarian crisis. There has been an unfair burden on children and women. According to SOHR numbers, over 26,000 children and 16,000 women have been killed in conflict.
The Assad Regime’s Fall and Ongoing Violence
The time when Bashar al-Assad collapsed in December 2024 was an important event in the history that rumbled the whole regime that lived more than 50 years. Other center cities were also attacked by the rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Syrian National Army that were supported by Turkey, Damascus included. This aggression concluded a considerable intermission of the war of frozen conflicts and influenced hopes of a new stage in the future of Syria.
But still there is violence in many parts. Concerns by the United Nations Commission on Syria regarding a series of clashes, extrajudicial killings and violations are especially on the coastal regions. The Commission urged re-commitment to peace, justice and human rights but added that free independent investigations must be performed.
Civilian Casualties by Perpetrator
SNHR and SOHR sources also present detailed transmissions of civilian killings by various conflict-related parties. The greatest number of deaths of the civilians have been caused by the Syrian government forces, Russian airstrikes, ISIS, and other groups of opposition. The civilian fatalities involving U.S. led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces have been less serious.
Barrel bombs, chemical attacks, and shotgun weapons have been characteristic of the conflict due to their indiscriminate nature of warfare. The targeted location has been hospitals, schools and the civilian infrastructure, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Voices from the Ground
The Syrian Network for Human Rights marked 14 years of the revolution by renewing its determination to report abuse and demand justice. The network has been covering arbitrary detention, torture and enforced disappearance which remain widespread despite the change of regime.
The Chairman of the UN Syria Commission – Paulo Sr:gio Pinheiro highlighted that peace and justice are greatly needed to break the chain of violence. UNICEF has brought out the impact of the crisis on children who have not been granted protection and education. The agency also points at the necessity to secure the rights of children as Syria begins to rebuild.
Recent Developments and Challenges
The overthrowing of Assad has not brought the end of the complex issues in Syria. The factional battles persist especially those between the Kurd-led Syrian Defense Forces and Turkish-supported forces. The self proclaimed Islamic State still exists and has been carrying out attacks adding to instability.
The international actors are interested in the future of Syria, yet the political solutions are entangled by opposing interests. The humanitarian condition requires continuous response and funds to tackle displacement, poverty and infrastructure reconstruction.
Reflections from Activists
Syrian human rights activist Fadel Abdul Ghany has commented on the continued struggle in an interview with one of the major news networks. He pointed out Syrians’ strength over fourteen years of war and demanded global solidarity with justice and efforts towards reconstruction. Fadel Abdul Ghany emphasized that the struggle for freedom and dignity persists while trying to reconstruct a broken country.
With Syria now in its fifteenth year of crisis aftermath, the path to peace and rehabilitation is still difficult. The international community’s contribution towards backing justice, accountability, and humanitarian assistance is necessary. The Syrians still wanted dignity and freedom showing the need to have inclusive political processes and respect to human rights.
This will cost many years of work to heal communities and establish trust in the face of the legacy of violence and displacement. Hope of the Syrian people is a positive thing but the only way the hope will become a lasting peace is through sustained interaction and commitment.