As the Center for Civil Society and Democracy (CCSD) celebrates, alongside all Syrians, the first anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime, we honor the sacrifices made, remember the many victims of mass atrocities, and acknowledge the hardships endured by all Syrian women and men in their pursuit of freedom and rights. Together we stand at a pivotal moment in Syria’s history as we work to build a better present and future.
The fall of the regime brought to an end nearly six decades of authoritarian rule under Hafez and Bashar Assad (father and son)—an era marked by bloodshed, repression, and destruction that affected every community in Syria. Now, CCSD recognizes both the development opportunities and the profound challenges this time entails.
Today, CCSD renews its call for the establishment of a democratic, pluralistic, and inclusive decentralized system of governance that is based on the rule of law, full equality between women and men, the separation of religion and the state, the separation and balance of powers, and an independent judiciary. This requires a nationally representative transitional leadership that includes qualified individuals from across all sectors of society and ensures at least 30 percent representation of women, intending to achieve full parity. CCSD also acknowledges the vital role and contributions that Syrian NGOs and civil society play in shaping and strengthening Syria, and the importance of preserving civic space. We further underscore the importance of transparency, the creation of strong institutions, and a governmental approach that respects and ensures human rights and promotes active, broad-based community participation, and that guarantees oversight and accountability across all areas of governance. This will pave the way for a genuine national dialogue and comprehensive institutional and legal reforms. These actions will result in the drafting of a constitution by qualified legal experts, and the holding of free and fair elections under international supervision and with oversight by civil society.
CCSD reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the transitional phase in Syria and urges its allies to prioritize the following during this phase, based on international resolutions:
- Eliminate all forms of discrimination, marginalization, and human right violations and resolve all internal and regional conflicts through peaceful means.
- Launch transparent, inclusive national processes for the national dialogue, the constitution, elections, and reconstruction which are based on the principles of democracy and human rights, and are representative and binding for all.
- Establish transitional justice and national reconciliation measures based on international principles and standards that guarantee recognition and reparations for all victims and their families, women and men, from all sides of the conflict, as there can be no peace without justice, and no lasting stability without peace.
- Protect and guarantee rights and freedoms of the civic space through a flexible framework.
- Develop national plans for establishing peace and justice, such as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, and the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security.
As Syrians continue their journey toward freedom, justice, and democracy, CCSD stands firmly alongside all communities in the pursuit of a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient Syria. We are committed to supporting this transition every step of the way and we call the international community to do the same.
To download the statement as PDF, please click here