HRW: Constitutional Declaration endangers rights

Human Rights Watch said that the "constitutional declaration" signed by Ahmad al-Shara’ concentrates power in the hands of the executive branch and could undermine the independence of the judiciary.

The organization noted that the "declaration," signed by Ahmad al-Shara’ on March 13, grants the president significant powers, including judicial and legislative appointments without any checks or oversight. The organization added: "The president’s extensive powers raise serious concerns about the continuity of the rule of law and human rights protections unless clear preventive measures are taken. The declaration justifies these exceptional powers as necessary during Syria's transitional phase."

Adam Coogle, Deputy Director for the Middle East at Human Rights Watch, said: "In the absence of stronger protections and independent oversight, there is a risk that this declaration could reinforce executive control at the expense of basic freedoms at a critical time for Syria’s future."

The organization pointed out: "While the declaration emphasizes the independence of the judiciary, it lacks protections to guarantee it in practice," stressing: "In the absence of mechanisms to ensure judicial independence or the establishment of an independent body to oversee judicial appointments, promotions, discipline, and dismissal, the judiciary's ability to hold the president accountable will be limited."

It also explained: "The declaration gives the president near-total control over legislative appointments."

The organization urged "Syrian authorities to review the constitutional declaration to include strong protections for judicial independence and legislative oversight. This would help ensure respect for human rights, hold accountable those responsible for past violations in Syria's transitional phase, and pave the way for a future with more accountability."

Coogle said: "The transitional phase in Syria should be a pathway to a democratic system that respects rights, not an excuse to entrench an authoritarian system."

A-H

ANHA