Suwayda Conference calls for a state that protects all citizens and guarantees equal rights

SUWAYDA, Syria — Organizers of the Suwayda Conference, formally known as the “National Salvation Conference,” released their final statement this week, calling for the construction of a Syrian state rooted in citizenship, justice, and the rule of law—one that protects the rights of all its citizens without discrimination. The statement also emphasized the urgent need to rein in uncontrolled weapons and criminal groups operating in the region. 

The conference, held on Tuesday, June 17, brought together a wide array of local figures and community representatives for a full day of discussions spanning four sessions. The gathering marked a significant attempt by Suwayda residents to articulate a unified civil vision amid the country’s ongoing instability. 

In the closing statement, participants unanimously affirmed that the structure of the Syrian state—whether centralized or decentralized—should be determined by the Syrian people as a whole, through a future elected parliament or constitutional assembly. The emphasis on inclusivity was a recurring theme, with the statement urging cooperation with all Syrians, including the central government, to build a nation based on equal rights and responsibilities. 

“The envisioned state must guarantee the dignity and rights of all citizens, without any form of discrimination,” the statement read. 

A call for a balanced relationship with the Syrian government was also central to the declaration, advocating for a framework grounded in rights, duties, and citizenship. The conference empowered its elected General Secretariat, through specialized committees, to initiate channels of dialogue with the central government and relevant ministries in order to address local issues facing the governorate. 

The final communiqué also called for the activation of local law enforcement from within the community, stressing the importance of equipping these forces with the necessary logistical support to ensure public safety and protect both private and public property. Attendees demanded firm measures against uncontrolled arms and outlaw groups undermining stability in the region. 

In its closing remarks, the conference called for increased dialogue and rapprochement with neighboring areas such as Daraa and the Daramsuq (Damascus) countryside, urging the strengthening of social bonds and the rejection of irresponsible acts that threaten civil peace. The document concluded with an appeal to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive Syrian-Syrian dialogue aimed at fostering national unity.