Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration beginning a five-year transition aimed at establishing rights for women and freedom of expression. This follows Assad’s overthrow and a wave of violence, with calls for an inclusive governance structure. While the declaration outlines the framework for transitional justice, it has faced criticism from Kurdish groups and concerns over its ability to represent Syria’s diverse society.
On Thursday, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration, declaring it the dawn of a “new history” for Syria. This document marks the beginning of a five-year transitional period focused on establishing rights for women and freedoms of expression, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by Islamist-led rebels.
The declaration emerges in response to growing demands for a just and inclusive governance structure in Syria. Amid recent violence that claimed over 800 lives, primarily from the Alawite minority, al-Sharaa emphasized that the constitutional declaration aims to transform oppression into justice and suffering into mercy.
Significant provisions of the declaration include the formation of a transitional justice commission to account for the previous government’s actions, as well as guaranteeing women’s rights in work and education. It affirms adherence to Islamic jurisprudence as the primary legislative source, mandates the division of powers, and provides the president the exceptional ability to declare a state of emergency.
The new people’s assembly, with a third of its members appointed by the president, will spearhead legislative drafting, overseen by a supreme electoral committee. However, the declaration restricts legislative powers, preventing impeachment of the president and the dismissal of lawmakers.
Alawite and Kurdish groups have criticized the declaration, asserting it fails to reflect Syria’s diverse populace and undermines democratic aspirations. The Kurdish-led administration noted that the declaration contradicts the reality of Syria’s multifaceted society. Meanwhile, a report from the UN’s special envoy emphasized that this declaration should serve as a credible framework for an inclusive political transition, with its successful implementation deemed crucial.
In light of the recent violence targeting Alawites, the situation poses a significant threat to the transitional process. Criticism from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reinforced the call for accountability and investigations into the civilian casualties. Sharaa has committed to prosecuting those responsible for the killings, with arrests already announced.
The constitutional declaration signed by Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa heralds a new transitional phase aimed at establishing rights and freedoms for citizens. Nevertheless, the backlash from various ethnic groups indicates significant disapproval and concern regarding representation. The path to a peaceful and inclusive Syria remains fraught with challenges, particularly amidst ongoing violence and calls for accountability. The success of this transitional framework will depend heavily on its implementation and the extent to which it can satisfy the diverse aspirations of the Syrian people.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
