TEV-DEM rejects new Syrian Govt, calls for inclusive representation

The TEV-DEM issued a statement today regarding the formation of the new Syrian government, declaring: "Following years of suffering endured by the Syrian people in all their diversity under the oppressive former regime and terrorist factions such as ISIS and its affiliates, Syrians welcomed the downfall of the repressive regime on December 8, 2024, with hope for the establishment of a new Syria—one that is democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized. This moment was seen as an opportunity to turn the page on a painful history marked by bloodshed and loss. However, the actions of the new rulers in Damascus since assuming power do not signal a genuine transition toward peace, inclusivity, and national reconciliation. Instead, these steps merely replicate the policies of the defunct Ba'athist regime, whose failures brought immense suffering to the Syrian people. What has changed, it seems, is merely the figurehead at the helm, while the exclusionary and authoritarian state mentality remains firmly in place—dashing the hopes of Syrians for a truly democratic and decentralized homeland that embraces all ethnic, religious, and cultural identities.

 Misguided foundations will inevitably lead to disastrous outcomes, particularly when they concern nations, people's rights, democracy, human rights, and women's freedoms.

 From the so-called 'Victory Conference' on January 29, 2025—which celebrated military factions, including those who committed massacres —to the 'National Dialogue Conference' on February 25, 2025, which excluded true representatives of the Syrian people and featured pre-selected individuals lacking legitimacy, with only a single woman present—each step has demonstrated the continuation of exclusionary policies. This trend continued with the constitutional declaration of March 13, 2025, widely condemned by Syria’s diverse communities and over 40 civil organizations from North and East Syria, culminating in the announcement of the provisional government on March 29, 2025, which failed to include genuine representation of the Syrian people, particularly the Kurdish and North and East Syrian communities.

 In a repeated spectacle reminiscent of the so-called 'democracy' and 'transparency' of the defunct Ba'athist regime, the new administration in Damascus has exhibited an exclusionary and sectarian approach, seeking to construct a Syria defined by a singular identity, culture, and ideology—erasing the nation’s rich ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity. These actions have been met with widespread rejection by civil society organizations and Syria’s various communities, who recognize the dangers of perpetuating authoritarian rule and denying pluralism and democracy.

 As the TEV-DEM, and in alignment with our commitment to building a free and democratic society that upholds women’s liberation and fosters social cohesion among Syria’s diverse communities, we categorically reject the newly announced provisional government as unrepresentative in its structure, ideology, and affiliations. Token appointments of individuals—however technocratic—from marginalized communities cannot obscure the reality that this government fails to reflect the will of the Syrian people. It is incapable of leading the country toward a democratic and pluralistic future.

 At a time when certain regional and international actors seek to legitimize this government for political bargaining and self-serving interests—at the expense of the Syrian people—we call upon all national and democratic forces, women's organizations, the United Nations, and influential international stakeholders to assume their historical responsibility in supporting the establishment of a pluralistic, decentralized, and democratic Syria that meets the aspirations of its diverse peoples and communities. A government that excludes representatives of free women, the peoples of North and East Syria, and Syria’s diverse components represents no one but itself."

 a.k

ANHA