Exploring the peace component of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus within the post-civil war North-West Syria context between 2020-2023

Staging the adaptation of the humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) nexus has been a significant development for the humanitarian sector in the past years. While there have been remarkable efforts embarking on this approach in humanitarian programming, the peace component of the nexus has remained unclear in most cases. This thesis study seeks solid answers to address this gap in the humanitarian sector. To reveal a formulation for a method to be developed for implementing necessary peace activities and establishing a suitable environment, the Northwest Syria (NWS) case, particularly between 2020 and 2023, is investigated in this study in this study. The research employed secondary documents and interviews with experts engaged in humanitarian responses in the NWS. To comprehend and analyze the regional dynamics effectively, the study provides a detailed elucidation of the HDP nexus. It explores key viewpoints on peace, incorporating associated notions such as peacebuilding and peacekeeping, to establish a solid theoretical foundation. Drawing insights from peace practices observed in the Bosnia case is also included in the study. Additionally, presenting a comprehensive depiction of the situation in the NWS from 2020 to 2023 is aimed. The first chapter comprises of introduction, literature review and methodology. The subsequent chapter delves into a theoretical foundation for the HDP nexus, emphasizing its peace aspects. Then the case of Bosnia is examined, offering an in-depth examination of it as a historical example of a concluded peace process. Following that, the focus shifts to Syria, specifically the NWS, drawing a detailed portrayal of the situation in the region from 2020 to 2023. The final chapter conducts a thorough analysis of peace efforts in the NWS, culminating in the introduction of a methodological pattern intended for future development and implementation in conflict scenarios. KEYWORDS: Humanitarian, development, peace, nexus, Syria.