Nadine Maenza urges protection of minority rights in Syria, criticizes Turkish occupation

DARAMSUQ — In a recent press interview, Nadine Maenza, Global Fellow at the Wilson Center and President of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat (IRF), emphasized the urgent need to protect the rights of religious and ethnic minorities in Syria.

Maenza called on the Turkish occupation and its allied factions to ensure the rights of minorities in the areas under their control. She highlighted recent crimes against Kurds, Christians, Yezidis, and others in Turkish-controlled regions, stressing the necessity of accountability to guarantee the safety and equality of all Syrian citizens.

She also discussed the significant influence of the United States in Syria, particularly regarding sanctions imposed on the Syrian government. Maenza warned that lifting these sanctions prematurely could harm minority communities, leaving them vulnerable.

Addressing the role of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Maenza expressed doubts about the group’s ability to promote inclusivity in Syria. She pointed to HTS’s troubling history in regions like Edleb (Idlib), where severe violations of religious freedoms have been documented.

Conversely, Maenza commended the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES), praising its governance model for providing protection and representation to all religious and ethnic minorities in the region.