Recommendations of Council of Religions and Beliefs in NE Syria

The Coordination of the Council of Religions and Beliefs in North and East Syria held a dialogue forum yesterday under the slogan, "Human Brotherhood, for it is the holiest thing to the Creator under the sky."

The forum began with a minute of silence to honor the souls of the martyrs of humanity in Syria and welcomed representatives from all religions and beliefs in Syria, as well as representatives of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, along with independent religious and social figures.

The forum witnessed broad participation from representatives of all religions and beliefs in Syria, including Islam, Christianity, Druze, Yazidis, Alawites, Ismailis, and Zoroastrians, either by personal attendance or participation through recorded speeches. All participants expressed their views and hopes for the future of Syria during the discussions and speeches delivered.

The participants agreed on several recommendations, viewing them as a good start for a shared life based on justice and equality in the future Syria. The views of representatives from all religions and beliefs were as follows:

1. Emphasizing that the nationalistic extremism that dominated and prevailed under the previous regime led to the denial and marginalization of many original ethnic components in Syria. What is emerging today is the rise of a religious group known for its extremism, which threatens the denial and marginalization of religious and doctrinal diversity in Syria. Therefore, all forms of national and religious intolerance, or the denial and marginalization of the components of Syrian society, should be rejected.

2. Belief that women are a fundamental factor in life and society, and the freedom of a society is closely linked to the freedom of women. Rejection of all ideas, practices, and theories derived from outdated customs and traditions that degrade women over thousands of years, and affirmation of the importance of women playing their role in all areas of social and political life.

3. While Islamic culture and Muslims represent the majority of Syrian society, the constitution that can unite all religions and beliefs under one sky reflects the "Islam of the city," which means that religion belongs to God and the homeland belongs to all. This is embodied today in the practice of democratic Islam.

4. Many religions and beliefs in Syria suffered from denial and marginalization in the past, but they will not be marginalized in the future Syria, based on the principle "Syria for all Syrians." Therefore, constitutional recognition of these religions and beliefs, including Yazidism, Zoroastrianism, Ismailism, Alawism, and Druze, should be guaranteed, along with the right to practice their rituals and ceremonies under a law governed by the future constitution.

5. Rejection of the concept of minorities and majorities in Syria and belief that Syria is distinguished by its rich societal fabric, encompassing all ethnic and racial components, which enhances its strength and beauty. The imposition of any educational, political, or social system that erases this diversity or imposes a single uniformity on other components should not be accepted. Therefore, the most appropriate name for the future Syria is the "Syrian Republic."

6. Condemnation of all inhuman practices inflicted on certain community components due to religious and sectarian extremism, such as those faced by Alawites, Christians, and Yazidis in Syria. Such practices harm the national concept of brotherhood and coexistence in Syrian society.

7. Demanding the pursuit, prosecution, and accountability of those proven to be involved in the crime of genocide committed against the Yazidis in August 2014 by terrorist organizations, the repercussions of which continue to this day. Some groups are still appearing, carrying flags and symbols, and delivering speeches identical to those made by ISIS during the commission of genocide.

8. Condemnation of the exploitation of certain dubious parties who use religious slogans and values in Syria to create conflicts between religions and beliefs, sowing hatred and justifying crimes. These practices are considered an insult to the true Islam, which, if its name means anything, symbolizes peace and love.

9. The practices of crimes committed by the Ba'athist regime, the Turkish state, and its mercenaries from the remnants of ISIS, including the displacement of millions and the forced migration of hundreds of thousands of Syrians, and the commission of demographic change, which qualifies as war crimes. Therefore, the Ba'athist regime and Turkish authorities should be tried in the International Court of Justice for war crimes, and guarantees should be made for the safe return of all Syrians to their homes from which they were displaced.

10. Commending the model of Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria, which, over the years of the Syrian revolution, has proven to be the only region where the Syrian people, of all religions and beliefs, have lived together in an atmosphere of harmony, love, peace, mutual respect, and coexistence. This model is an example of freedom of thought and belief. Applying this model throughout the entire Syrian geography would ensure a shared future for all religions and beliefs in Syria.

A-H

ANHA