The DeFacto Platform for Dialogue held a dialogue session titled “The Image of the Kurds in Syria” on December 26, in the Syrian capital, Damascus. The session was attended by Syrian intellectuals from various societal components and addressed the role of the Kurds in building modern Syria amid the rapid changes in the country.
Objectives of the Session:
- Discuss the historical role of the Kurds in Syria.
- Examine Kurdish concerns amidst political transformations.
- Explore ways to enhance citizenship and Kurdish participation in building a new Syria.
- Unify Kurdish political visions during the transitional phase.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Kurdish Participation in Building a New Syria: Participants emphasized that modern Syria should result from the inclusive participation of all Syrians, ensuring a fair democratic transition that guarantees everyone’s rights.
- Constitutional Rights and Citizenship: Discussions highlighted the Kurds’ need for constitutional assurances amid political changes. Citizenship was proposed as a framework to secure Kurdish rights as a key component of society.
- Separation of Internal Kurdish Decisions from External Parties: Participants stressed the importance of Kurdish decision-making independence in Syria, detached from Kurdish parties in neighboring countries, to achieve national autonomy.
- Involving the Kurds in the Political Process: Attendees underscored the significance of Kurdish participation in the Syrian National Conference and the drafting of a new social contract, noting that the Kurdish role is rooted in their historical presence.
- Unifying Kurdish Political Vision: The necessity of Kurdish political agreement during the transitional phase was highlighted, given the sensitivity and potential long-term impact of this period on Kurds and Syrians.
- Comprehensive National Identity: The session stressed the need to express an inclusive Syrian identity, where all components shape the country’s identity without discrimination between minorities and majorities.
- Support for UN Resolution 2254: It was agreed that all Kurdish political and civil parties adopt Resolution 2254, ensuring Kurdish participation in UN negotiations.
- Avoiding Partisan Ideologies: Participants urged focusing on the broader interests of the Kurdish people, distancing from partisan affiliations to achieve positive outcomes nationally.
- Releasing Detainees: The session called on the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) to issue a general amnesty for political detainees as a step toward national unity.
- Cooperation as Part of the Syrian State: Participants advocated for enhanced collaboration between the AANES and the Damascus government after the regime’s fall, including equitable sharing of economic resources for all Syrians.
- Geographical and Administrative Specificity for the Kurds: Attendees emphasized the need to ensure Northeast Syria’s geographic and administrative specificity within the Syrian state, based on clear constitutional principles.
Recommendations:
- Ensure active Kurdish involvement in drafting Syria’s new constitution.
- Guarantee Kurdish representation in national and international conferences on Syria.
- Support building national alliances between Kurds and other Syrian components.
- Launch initiatives to foster dialogue between Kurdish and Syrian political forces to enhance mutual understanding.
- Work on strengthening an inclusive Syrian identity through joint media and cultural projects.
- Follow up on session recommendations through joint committees tasked with presenting periodic reports on the role of Kurds in a new Syria.
