Yazidi, Christian Groups Reject Syria’s Constitutional Declaration

A coalition of a dozen Yazidi associations and the Syriac Union Party, a Christian political group, have condemned Syria’s newly-drafted constitutional declaration, asserting that it marginalizes Kurds and religious minorities, Rudaw reported. In their statements, these groups labeled the interim constitution a “flagrant violation” of international laws, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

The 53-article interim constitution emphasizes Islamic jurisprudence, mandates that Syria’s president be a Muslim, and maintains the designation of the Syrian Arab Republic. The Yazidi associations criticized past Syrian governments for failing to recognize Yazidis as an independent religious minority and for not enacting protective laws.

Similarly, the Syriac Union Party denounced the declaration as a tool for exclusion, arguing that it perpetuates the policies of the former Assad regime and does not facilitate a genuine transitional phase. This sentiment is echoed by Kurdish groups, including the Rojava administration, which argue that the declaration alienates diverse communities and fails to address Syria’s pluralistic nature.

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed optimism for a new chapter in Syria during the signing ceremony, but local and international support for the declaration remains weak. The Yazidis, who suffered greatly during ISIS attacks in 2014, continue to seek recognition and protection of their rights amidst these developments.