On March 13, 2025, Syria embarked on a new chapter as the interim president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, signed a significant constitutional declaration aimed at redefining the future of the country. This declaration outlines the transitional governance phase set to last for five years, following the recent ousting of former president Bashar Al-Assad. During the official ceremony at the People’s Palace, Al-Sharaa expressed hope for the declaration to herald "a new history for Syria, where we replace oppression with justice and also replace torment with mercy."
The constitutional declaration consists of four main sections: general provisions, rights and freedoms, governance structure, and final provisions. Notably, it prescribes the absolute separation of powers to avoid the centralization of authority, which has characterized past administrations. According to Abd Al-Hamid Al-Awak, the head of the drafting committee, "Because the principle of separation between the authorities was absent from the political systems, we intended to resort to the absolute separation between authorities." This framework is expected to empower the People’s Assembly to handle legislative processes independently, allowing the interim president to appoint one-third of its members.
The declaration sets the foundations for governance, ensuring accountability, justice, and the protection of human rights. A commitment to fundamental rights is encapsulated within the declaration, which states, "Freedom of opinion, expression, information, publication, and journalism is guaranteed." Al-Awak highlighted the state's respect for these freedoms, marking a departure from previous regimes, which often curtailed such liberties.
The rights of women are also addressed prominently; the declaration asserts, "Women's rights to participation, work, and education are guaranteed." This recognition not only reflects changing societal norms but emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in rebuilding Syria’s social fabric.
Another pivotal aspect of the declaration is the establishment of mechanisms for transitional justice, significantly stressing the need to reconcile past grievances and provide avenues for truth and accountability. This includes the formation of bodies aimed at ensuring justice for victims of previous administrations, reinforcing Al-Sharaa's statement of hope for this new framework to be beneficial for society.
Alongside the constitutional declaration, the newly formed national security council was introduced, aimed at addressing the immediate challenges facing the country, including security concerns and the management of public safety amid the transitional governance.Al-Sharaa emphasized the necessity of quick responses to developments during this transitional phase, stating, "We must prepare to face any incidents."
The declaration also empowers the interim president with the ability to declare states of emergency when necessary, albeit with oversight. The requirement for any declaration of emergency to be confirmed by the national security council reflects the intent to maintain checks and balances, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Looking to the future, Al-Sharaa expressed optimism, stating, "We hope this will be the beginning of good for the Syrian people on the path of construction and development." By enshrining principles of democratic governance and human rights protections, the constitutional declaration marks a fundamental shift for Syria, aiming to lay the groundwork for stability and prosperity. The transitional period is anticipated to not only address the urgent political needs but also to facilitate a transition to enduring democratic practices and societal healing.
While the path forward remains fraught with challenges, the aspirations set forth within the constitutional declaration offer the promise of change. By drafting this new legal framework, the leadership signals its commitment to steering Syria toward a brighter future, one where justice, freedom, and respect for human dignity prevail.