Yezidi organizations in Syria condemn Constitutional Declaration, demand inclusive revision

HASAKAH, North and East Syria — Syrian Yezidi organizations and unions have strongly criticized the recently signed Constitutional Declaration, calling for its immediate withdrawal and a comprehensive revision. The Declaration, signed last Thursday by Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, has sparked widespread disapproval for its failure to acknowledge Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.

In a joint statement, 12 Yezidi organizations denounced the document as a violation of Syria’s international obligations. They emphasized the deep historical roots of Yezidism, which stands as Syria’s third-largest religion after Islam and Christianity.

“The constitutional declaration is a profound disappointment for Syrian Yezidis,” the statement read. “It disregards the aspirations of those who, in 2011, marched for freedom, justice, and equality.”

The organizations urged the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) to retract the Declaration and form a representative committee to draft a more inclusive version. The statement also pointed out contradictions within the document, particularly violations of international agreements on civil and political rights and commitments to eliminate racial discrimination.

A key concern is the declaration’s provision that Islamic jurisprudence serves as the primary source of legislation. Yezidi organizations argued that this stipulation entrenches sectarianism, undermines the principle of equal citizenship, and marginalizes minority groups by effectively dividing Syrians into first- and second-class citizens.

The declaration has faced significant opposition from various communities, including the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community. The Syriac Union Party (SUP) previously criticized the document for its failure to protect the rights of Syria’s ethnically and religiously diverse population.