08/01/2025

Assyrian Democratic Organization and Syriac Union Party outline vision for inclusive post-Assad Syria

DARAMSUQ — In the wake of Syria’s liberation from decades of autocratic rule under Bashar al-Assad, the Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) and the Syriac Union Party (SUP) issued a joint statement on 8 January 2025, outlining their shared vision for the country’s future. The statement emphasized the necessity of political inclusivity and constitutional recognition of Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, particularly the Syriac–Assyrian, as the nation enters a critical period of political transition.

The two organizations highlighted their communities’ long-standing participation in the Syrian revolution, despite enduring oppression, displacement, and violence from both the former regime and extremist groups. They hailed the fall of the Assad regime on 8 December 2024, as a moment of hope and freedom for all Syrians, marking a pivotal shift toward a new political era.

A Call for a Syrian-Led Political Transition

The joint statement urged a peaceful, Syrian-led transition process supported by the international community and Arab states, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. It called for the establishment of a comprehensive, non-sectarian transitional governing body with full executive powers. The statement also stressed the importance of free and fair elections under United Nations supervision, grounded in a new constitution drafted with input from all Syrian communities.

The organizations underscored the need for all components of Syrian society — including Arabs, Kurds, Syriacs–Assyrians, Turkmen, and others — to have an equitable role in shaping the nation’s future. They advocated for a pluralistic political system, respect for human rights, and an end to the discriminatory practices and demographic changes imposed under previous regimes.

Demands for the Syriac–Assyrian Community

The joint statement outlined specific demands for the recognition and empowerment of the Syriac–Assyrian community, including:

    • Constitutional Recognition: Acknowledgment of the existence, identity, and rights of the Syriac–Assyrian people within Syria’s constitution.
    • Cultural and Linguistic Rights: Recognition of Syriac as a national language and its adoption as an official language in areas with significant Syriac–Assyrian populations.
    • Representation and Restoration: Genuine political representation in transitional bodies, restitution of confiscated lands and properties, and protection of Syriac–Assyrian villages and regions, particularly in the Khabur River Valley, from demographic changes.

A Vision for a Democratic, Inclusive Syria

At the national level, the statement underscored the need for a decentralized governance model to preserve Syria’s unity while ensuring equitable resource distribution and cultural diversity. It advocated for a secular republic that separates religion from politics, guarantees freedom of worship for all —including Yezidis — and protects the rights of all ethnic and religious groups.

The Assyrian Democratic Organization and the Syriac Union Party also stressed the importance of transitional justice to address the consequences of the conflict, ensure accountability for war crimes, and pave the way for national reconciliation. They emphasized the need for equal opportunities in public life, gender equality, and youth empowerment to rebuild a strong and inclusive nation.

Looking Ahead

The statement concluded with a call for collaboration among all Syrian communities and political forces to establish a just, democratic, and inclusive Syria. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working toward a future that guarantees freedom, equality, and representation for all Syrians.

As Syria moves beyond decades of oppression, the vision articulated by the Assyrian Democratic Organization and the Syriac Union Party offers a comprehensive roadmap for safeguarding the rights of all communities while building a nation rooted in democracy and pluralism.