Syrian Constitution Must Guarantee Equal Rights for All Components, Says Rami Abdul Rahman

Welat TV – Erbil

The Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdul Rahman, has emphasized that national unity must be built on safeguarding the rights of all Syrian components, rather than pursuing exclusionary policies under the pretext of retribution against the former regime or sidelining the Kurds as a form of retaliation against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

In an interview with Welat TV on Sunday, March 2, 2025, Abdul Rahman stated: "The Syrian constitution must guarantee the rights of all Syrian components without discrimination based on sect, religion, or ethnicity. Syria must either belong to everyone, or it will cease to exist."

He also pointed out that the previous constitution failed to recognize Syria’s diverse ethnic and national groups.

Abdul Rahman questioned the contradictory stance of the new government, which claims to respect Kurdish rights while maintaining a constitutional provision that defines all Syrian citizens as Arabs.

"The government says it will protect Kurdish rights and treat them as Syrian citizens, yet the constitution states that every Syrian citizen is Arab. How, then, can their national identity be safeguarded?" he asked.

Jaramana Clashes: Who Is Responsible?

Tensions flared in the city of Jaramana, on the outskirts of Damascus, following clashes between security forces of the Syrian transitional government and an armed group from the Druze community. The situation escalated but was eventually de-escalated through the intervention of local elders.

Speaking to Welat TV, Abdul Rahman confirmed that calm had returned to Jaramana, a city home to a mix of religious and ethnic groups, with a Druze majority. "The government in Damascus bears full responsibility for ensuring citizens’ security.

The incident began with an argument between an armed Jaramana resident and a security officer at a checkpoint, which led to gunfire and the officer’s death. The following day, tensions rose as security forces attempted to storm the city, until Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu issued threats, which pressured the parties to reach a local Syrian solution," Abdul Rahman explained.

A Security Breakdown or a Campaign Against Regime Loyalists?

Abdul Rahman dismissed claims that recent clashes in Jaramana were part of efforts to eliminate remnants of the former regime, calling such statements mere propaganda. "There are no remnants of the former regime in Jaramana. It was one of the first areas to revolt against Assad. The phrase ‘remnants of the old regime’ is just a convenient excuse for military operations. So far, the situation has not spiraled out of control, and we hope it remains that way to prevent foreign interventions—not just from Israel, but also from Turkey, which still occupies Afrin, Tel Abyadh, Sari Kaniye, and the Euphrates Shield region," he said.

Mass Layoffs in Public Institutions: Causes and Consequences

The past few days have witnessed widespread protests across Syria over the exclusion of various political factions from the National Dialogue Conference. In parallel, demonstrations erupted among public sector employees following mass dismissals and forced unpaid leaves, with the latest wave affecting healthcare workers in Damascus and Hama. Abdul Rahman warned against replicating the practices of the previous regime, which favored political loyalty over merit in public employment.

"Hospitals are already suffering from a severe shortage of medical staff, yet the authorities claim there is a surplus. We know for a fact that there isn’t—many ministries are understaffed. The push for hospital privatization is alarming, especially since Syria lacks an oil-based or commercial economy to support such a move. Public sector salaries are already meager, making privatization an impractical solution," he argued.

He further criticized the rationale behind mass layoffs: "There is no justification for firing employees unless the government officially declares a surplus. These workers receive wages that barely last them four days, or a week at most. Forcing them out of their jobs is neither logical nor humane."

Decisions That Deepen the Crisis

In a surprise move, the General Company for Iron and Steel Products announced the indefinite suspension of 500 workers, sparking outrage and fear among employees struggling to survive amid Syria’s economic crisis. According to Abdul Rahman, the government has already dismissed hundreds of thousands of employees, including over 300,000 security and military personnel who lost their jobs after their units were dissolved. "They believe this will pass unnoticed, but these individuals have families and now face unemployment.

This policy of exclusion, marginalization, and impoverishment could lead to an eruption at any moment," he warned. He stressed that rebuilding Syria requires reconciliation, not vengeance: "If someone committed crimes against the Syrian people, they should be held accountable. But dismissing individuals simply because they lived in regime-controlled areas or belong to a certain sect contradicts international law. It also directly contradicts the transitional government’s own public statements about inclusivity."

The Future of Syria’s Components Under the New Administration

Since the transitional government took power, concerns have grown among Syria’s diverse communities regarding their future in the new political landscape. Abdul Rahman rejected the term "minorities," arguing that all groups in Syria are integral components of the nation.

"In politics, there are majorities and minorities, but when it comes to national identity, all Syrians belong to their homeland. It is unacceptable to exclude people from leadership positions based on ethnicity or sect. Syria must be for all its people; otherwise, it will not be Syria. National unity must be built on protecting all communities, not on revenge against Assad’s regime or retaliation against the Kurds for the actions of the SDF," he emphasized.

Ensuring Rights in the New Constitution: Reality or Illusion?

Abdul Rahman stressed the need to enshrine the rights of all Syrian communities in the new constitution. "The new government claims it will safeguard Kurdish rights, yet the constitution states that every Syrian citizen is Arab. How can a Kurdish citizen’s identity be respected under such a provision? Kurds are native to these lands, and their rights must be protected," he argued.

He concluded by reiterating his call for an inclusive constitution: "The Syrian constitution must guarantee the rights of all components without discrimination. Only then can Syria truly belong to all Syrians."