Stabilization Response Mechanism: Improving Basic Services in Syria

The pilot project aims to rapidly improve local communities’ stability and their ability to resist the intrusion of extremist groups. It provides assistance through local governance councils and civil society organizations so they can provide inclusive basic services that meet the population’s needs. The pilot project also seeks to improve the governance and accountability of these local organizations in a way that these gain trust and support from the population. Project activities include: (1) conducting research to understand the pressure local Syrian communities face from extremist organizations; (2) rehabilitating critical infrastructure such as water sanitation and electricity; (3) rehabilitating school buildings and supplying them with equipment such as desks and chalk boards; (4) rehabilitating bakeries and essential commerce on which communities rely; and (5) providing support to local governments to pay salaries of local public servants.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) local governance councils and civil society organizations are able to provide essential services to local populations; and (2) strengthened ability of local communities to resist extremist groups.