T he concept of civil society was associated in its inception with the people’s struggle for freedom and equality and the need for security and stability. Freedom of expression and association and the right to participate in public affairs are basic human rights. The United Nations has defined civil society as the third sector of society, along with Government and Business30. According to the practical guide for civil society issued by the United Nations entitled “The space available for civil society and the human rights system in the United Nations”, the actors in society - to name but a few - are: - Human rights defenders, including online activists. - Human rights organizations (NGOs, associations and victim support groups). - Alliances and networks (examples of women’s rights, children’s rights, environmental issues ...) 31. From this standpoint we examine the nature of civil society in the Syrian scene. The Syrian regime began promoting the idea of community organizations to help it invoke a civilized image, since Bashar al-Assad took overpower in Syria. But the work and efforts of Syrian civil society at this stage was not independent. It was controlled by the Syrian regime, represented by several forms and groups that were directly affiliated with it, and was restricted by many laws. Despite the big endeavors of the civil society, represented by activists and organizations, according to the practical guide for civil society issued by the United Nations, many important rights and issues are still neglected and are not included in the list of important projects that the Syrian civil 30 31 Civil society- UN CIVIL SOCIETY SPACE AND THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEM HUMANS WITHOUT RIGHTS After the start of the Syrian revolution, many civil organizations and associations were established, relying in their composition on activists fleeing persecution and repression, the main goal behind the emergence of these groups was to defend human rights, demand freedoms and document violations. Their work evolved with the change of the Syrian context and the intensification of the regime’s violence, so they started working on humanitarian aid, education, health and empowerment of women. Also, there were organizations working in the field of studies and research, which help build a future image of the Syrian scene by demanding justice and obtaining rights. 45