Yazidi representative: Syria should be homeland for everyone

Amid rising demands to guarantee the rights of religious and ethnic components in Syria, representatives of the Yazidi community emphasized the need for official recognition of their religion in the Syrian constitution and for real legal guarantees to ensure their protection and rights.

In this context, the representative of the Yazidi Union of Syria, Ziad Rustem, told ANHA agency:

“As Yazidis, we previously demanded, within the documents of the Autonomous Administration and its social contract, recognition of the Yazidi religion as an independent religion. The Yazidi people are an original component of this region’s population, and this must be documented in all constitutions and official documents that guarantee the safety and dignity of citizens. It should not merely be written in a book or document, but must be accompanied by official guarantees from Damascus and from states that influence international law, to ensure the implementation of such provisions in constitutions and the protection of the rights of all components.”

He added:

“In North and East Syria, since the beginning of the revolution, the best model has been the Autonomous Administration model because it represents all peoples. This project should be expanded to all of Syria, given the diversity of the region under the administration and the active participation of Yazidis and our people across the country. Therefore, the Syrian constitution must guarantee the rights of all peoples.”

Rustem affirmed that the Yazidi people are constantly subjected to double injustice due to their Kurdish ethnic identity on one hand and their Yazidi religion on the other. He said:

“We have seen this in Sinjar, Afrin, and Serê Kaniyê, through the seizure of their properties under the pretext of war spoils. Therefore, their protection must be strengthened to remove these concerns from the Yazidi community.”

Rustem pointed out that the importance of democracy in Syria stems from a return to the roots, when society was loving and coexisting without sectarian or religious tensions, especially regarding religious groups now labeled as minorities. He added:

“In the concept of democracy, there should not be a category called minorities. Freedom of religion and belief is a right for every citizen and every group alike. True democracy must be applied on the ground, and the Yazidi should live in peace and safety alongside other peoples.”

In conclusion, Ziad Rustem stated:

“We always see Yazidi villages located on front lines, from Afrin to Serê Kaniyê and reaching Sinjar, and they are continuously exposed to violence. Therefore, there must be real democracy in the Syria of the future. Fifty years ago, despite the absence of social media, Syria was better than it is today. What we see now is extremism, sectarianism, and exclusion. What is happening in Syria today confirms what we are saying. What we hope is that these concepts develop in Syria and that it becomes a homeland for everyone without discrimination.”

ANHA