Participants emphasized that the rights of the Kurds must be guaranteed in the Syrian constitution, stating that life in Syria cannot be sustained by ignoring its diverse components.
A panel was held in Qamishlo to discuss how Kurdish identity is addressed in the Syrian transitional government’s 'draft constitution'. The event brought together representatives of political parties, civil society organizations, intellectuals, students, religious figures, and journalists.
The panel began with a presentation by constitutional and public administration expert Zeydoun Al-Zoubi, who compared the 1950 constitution of the Syrian government with the newly proposed 2025 draft.
Kurdish identity in the Syrian constitution
Zeydoun Al-Zoubi stated that the articles of the constitution, as currently written, cannot be implemented in practice. He said, “Article 3 claims that the cultural diversity of all components of Syrian society, as well as the cultural and linguistic rights of all Syrians, are guaranteed by the state. But in reality, we see no such thing.”
Al-Zoubi emphasized that the Kurds are a vital component of Syria and there is widespread opposition to this 'draft constitution.' He stressed that the Kurdish people must be granted all of their rights.
Rejecting the politics of neglect and denial
Participants emphasized that the rights of the Kurds must be guaranteed in the Syrian constitution, stating that life in Syria cannot be sustained by ignoring its diverse components. They said, “The draft constitution presented by the Damascus government does not reflect the will of the Syrian people.”
The participants also underlined that a federal system represents true unity, and the constitution must embrace diversity. They stressed that no component of Syrian society should be excluded, especially since the Kurdish community no longer accepts the old centralized system.
Anwar Hamoudeh, an economist from Daraa, said: “We have high hopes for the Autonomous Administration. We lived under oppression for many years. Now we want a united state that recognizes all its components.”
Al-Zoubi visited the regions of North and East Syria to participate in the Newroz celebrations this year, to show recognition of the Kurdish people, and to help strengthen relations among all Syrians.
