Mariam Ibrahim: Syria’s future requires inclusive constitutional declaration

Mariam Ibrahim, the spokesperson for the dialogue delegation of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria with the Syrian Transitional Government, stressed that guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of all national and religious components in Syria’s future can only be achieved through a comprehensive constitutional declaration. This declaration should draw its principles from the successful experience of the Autonomous Administration over the past ten years.

Mariam Ibrahim emphasized that "the social contract and the practical experience of self-governance" have proven that justice, equality, and societal integration can only be achieved through the participation of all components in managing their affairs within a decentralized framework. This framework does not imply secession, as some promote, but rather embodies the principle of genuine partnership in building a unified homeland for all Syrians.

Regarding the meeting between the Autonomous Administration’s delegation and the Syrian Transitional Government’s delegation, Mariam Ibrahim noted that the first meeting was friendly and marked a serious step toward mutual understanding. Initial agreements were reached on vital issues, including creating a positive atmosphere in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, allowing students to take their exams, and forming joint subcommittees to follow up on the discussed matters.

Ibrahim highlighted that the central point of the meeting was the affirmation of Syria’s unity in terms of land and people. She stressed that the Autonomous Administration has always rejected any separatist proposals and remains committed to decentralization as a realistic path to move away from the centralized Ba’athist system, which entrenched exclusion and marginalization of various Syrian components.

On the issue of women’s representation, Mariam Ibrahim clarified that the absence of direct discussion about women’s roles does not mean they are overlooked. The active presence of women in the Autonomous Administration’s delegation sends a clear message reflecting the essence of this project, which has adopted the principle of full gender partnership through the co-presidency system since its inception.

Ibrahim stressed the need for this representation to be enshrined in the upcoming Syrian constitution and parliament to ensure women have a pioneering role in building a new Syria based on equality and justice. She criticized what she described as a "lack of seriousness" from the Syrian Transitional Government in addressing women’s issues so far but expressed hope that future meetings would translate into "genuine constitutional guarantees" reflecting a new reality in Syria, particularly regarding women’s rights.

Ibrahim also noted that no official date has been set for its conclusion, although the preliminary agreement signed by Ahmad al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi had anticipated concluding by the end of 2025. She added that the slow pace of the meetings necessitates intensifying efforts to ensure radical solutions that meet the aspirations of the Syrian people.

Ibrahim addressed a message to all Syrians, urging them to uphold national awareness and steer clear of external interventions that have exhausted Syria. She emphasized that the current moment represents a crossroads toward a different future. She also called on all armed factions to engage in a national dialogue, following the example of the Syrian Democratic Forces, to build a democratic and just Syria in which all its sons and daughters participate without discrimination or exclusion.

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ANHA