Council of Religions and Beliefs in North and East Syria presents vision for inclusive Syrian Constitution at public forum

HASAKAH, North and East Syria — The Council of Religions and Beliefs in North and East Syria convened a public dialogue forum under the slogan Our Vision for a Syrian Constitution Project that Aligns with the Cultural, Ethnic, and Religious Diversity of the Syrian People. The event took place at the Cultural Center in Hasakah.

The forum brought together representatives of Christian, Islamic, Yezidi, Zoroastrian, and Alawite religious institutions, along with delegates from women’s and cultural organizations, civil society groups, and institutions of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES).

The principles discussed emphasized the rejection of religious, sectarian, and ethnic discrimination, calling for equality and the safeguarding of freedom of belief for all Syrians. They also underlined the importance of maintaining state neutrality toward religion and recognizing Syria as a multi-religious, multi-belief, and multi-ethnic state.

Participants condemned violations against Syrian communities and stressed the need to respect the educational particularities of each religion and belief. They also called for the inclusion of curricula that promote a shared understanding of Syria’s diverse religious history.

The principles further highlighted the protection of sacred sites, affirming each community’s right to manage its holy places. They underscored women’s full participation in public life and rejected any form of discrimination or persecution under religious or cultural pretexts.

The Council also demanded accountability for crimes committed against Yezidis and other victims of crimes against humanity.

Huda Sheikhmos, a representative of the Zoroastrian community in Syria and a member of the Council’s Coordination Committee, told SyriacPress:

“This symposium is the second of its kind organized by the Council, following the first held in the city of Qamishli [Beth Zalin]. The aim of the symposium is to present the Council’s vision for Syria’s future, especially since the constitution drafted by the Syrian authorities is exclusionary, marginalizes communities and religions, and relies solely on one religion in legislating.”

Hassan Ali Mohammed, representing the Islamic faith in the Council, explained that, “the forum discussed the outcomes reached by the Council following a major forum it organized last January.”