Syria’s Draft Constitutional Declaration Sparks Minority Fears

Damascus, Syria – Syria’s interim leadership is preparing to announce a “constitutional declaration,” raising concerns among Christians and other minorities about their future in the war-torn nation.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, canceled the constitution of ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad, stating that rewriting a new one could take up to three years. Instead, a temporary constitutional declaration is set to regulate the transitional phase, a move he says is necessary to stabilize the country.

“A committee of experts,” including two women, is drafting the declaration as Syria attempts to rebuild its institutions following Assad’s removal on December 8. His ouster marked the end of his family’s decades-long rule and more than 13 years of brutal conflict.

Minority Concerns

Critics argue that Sharaa’s approach appears autocratic, especially after he suggested that elections may not be held for another five years. Leaked details of the constitutional declaration have further fueled worries, including a clause that requires Syria’s president to be a Muslim—effectively barring Christians from the role.

Additionally, the new authorities will be tasked with appointing a People’s Assembly within 60 days of issuing the declaration. The Assembly will have 100 members, selected by presidential decree, serving a two-year term. This centralized approach has raised concerns about democratic oversight and inclusivity, particularly among Christians, Kurds, and other minority groups.

Since Assad’s removal, reports indicate that some regions have already implemented Shariah law, deepening fears that religious minorities may face further marginalization under the new government.

Composition of the Committee

The committee responsible for drafting the constitutional declaration is largely composed of individuals affiliated with the transitional government, many of whom have links to the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a crucial role in Assad’s downfall.

Notable members include:

• Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a constitutional law expert and professor in Turkey.
• Yasser al-Huwaish, the newly appointed dean of Damascus University’s law faculty.
• Bahia Mardini, a journalist and legal scholar based in Britain, one of the two women on the committee.
• Ismail al-Khalfan, an international law specialist recently named dean of Aleppo University’s law faculty.
• Mohammed Reda Jalkhi, an Idlib University graduate specializing in international law.

The Road Ahead

While Sharaa claims that political parties will be permitted, they must be based on “national principles,” raising concerns that true democratic pluralism may remain elusive.

With the country at a crossroads, the constitutional declaration’s impact on Syria’s governance and minority rights remains uncertain. Many Syrians fear that despite promises of inclusivity, the new leadership may be repeating the centralization and exclusionary policies of past regimes.