Citizens of Tal Brak:  Social Contract should be basis for Syrian Constitution

On March 13, the Damascus authorities approved a constitutional declaration prepared by a committee appointed solely by the government, composed of a single political orientation, with no consideration for Syria’s diverse spectrum. This move sparked criticism among Syrians who believe the declaration is inconsistent with the country’s pluralism and includes articles reminiscent of the Baath Party era. In this context, various components of the city of Tell Brak voiced their position on the declaration.

 It Does Not Represent All Syrians

 Fatima Al-Ahmad, the member of the Tal Brak City Council, stated: “The constitutional declaration issued by Damascus does not reflect the aspirations of all Syrians and their various communities, who have long called for dialogue and coexistence. Therefore, a constitution must be drafted that reflects the identity of all and excludes no component.”

 She added, “We hope that the social contract issued by the Democratic Peoples’ Council of the Autonomous Administration will serve as the draft upon which the Syrian constitution is based, as it is a practical experience implemented on the ground and built on dialogue and the genuine participation of all segments of society.”

 A Social Contract Rooted in the People's Reality

 Rakan Khalil, a teacher in Tal Brak’s schools, emphasized the importance of adopting the social contract of the Autonomous Administration as a reference for the Syrian constitution. He said, “In light of the current political conditions, there is a need for a legitimate reference point that guarantees people’s rights and fulfills their aspirations. This reference must emerge from the reality experienced by the individual.”

 He continued, “When the Autonomous Administration formulated the social contract in 2023, it did so based on broad and inclusive societal participation. We view this contract as a serious proposal for building Syria’s future on democratic and participatory foundations.”

 The People Must Be Partners in Drafting the Constitution

 Simav Mahmoud, another member of the Tal Brak City Council, said: “We are a people in need of building a homeland that embraces everyone and adopts a constitution that ensures the participation of all communities, sects, and religions, and that rebuilds Syria on a just and democratic foundation.”

 She added, “The recent constitutional declaration does not serve our legitimate demands, as it did not stem from the will of the people. Therefore, we demand that the people actively participate in drafting the constitution, and that the social contract formulated by the components of North and East Syria be an essential part of it, as it reflects our reality and serves our aspirations.”

 The people of Tal Brak agree that Syria’s future cannot be shaped through unilateral measures that ignore the country’s essential components. Rather, it must be built on the principles of genuine representation, inclusiveness, and the protection of rights. They see the social contract developed by the peoples of North and East Syria as a realistic model that must be taken seriously in the drafting of the future Syrian constitution.

a.k

ANHA