Rebuilding Syria: Filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab on the struggle for justice and healing |

After 14 years of war, the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 marked a new chapter for Syria.

However, with 90 percent of the population living in poverty and over a million displaced Syrians now preparing to return home, the country faces immense challenges as it begins the process of rebuilding.

Filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab documented life under siege in Aleppo in her award-winning film, For Sama, before being forced to flee Syria in 2016. She has since become a leading advocate for justice and human rights.

In this interview with UN News’ Pia Blondel, she reflects on her journey, the realities on the ground, and why – as Syria stands at a crossroads – accountability must be central to the country’s future.