النسخة العربية · Versiyona Kurdî · Türkçe versiyonu · ܦܫܝܛܬܐ ܣܘܪܝܝܬܐ
Constitutional Declaration of the Syrian Arab Republic
النسخة العربية · Versiyona Kurdî · Türkçe versiyonu · ܦܫܝܛܬܐ ܣܘܪܝܝܬܐ
Constitutional Declaration of the Syrian Arab Republic
Issuing Authority: Presidency of the Republic
Date: 13-03-2025
Effective: 16-03-2025
Official Gazette: Part I, Issue 7 Annex of 2025, p. 41
Official Gazette Date: 16-03-2025
Preamble
Chapter I. General Provisions
Chapter II. Rights and Freedoms
Chapter III. The System of Government During the Transitional Period
I. The Legislative Authority
II. The Executive Authority
III. The Judicial Authority
Chapter IV. Final Provisions
This is an unofficial translation and is provided for information purposes only. In the event of any inconsistency, the Arabic version shall prevail.
At the dawn of a memorable day, the morning of victory breathed, and Syria embarked on a new era, heralding the end of injustice and oppression and the revival of hope for building a modern state based on justice, dignity, and true citizenship. Tyranny had weighed heavily on the Syrian people, extending for six decades under a totalitarian regime imposed by the Ba'ath Party. This regime monopolized power, confiscated rights, and empowered a repressive, authoritarian rule that decimated state institutions, emptied the constitution of its content, and transformed the law into a tool of oppression and subjugation. Those decades were a dark, dark era, as the people rose up, demanding their freedom and the restoration of their dignity. However, at the hands of the Assad gang, they were subjected to systematic killing, mass destruction, brutal torture, forced displacement, an unjust siege, and the direct targeting of civilians. Homes were also destroyed over the heads of their inhabitants, sometimes with explosive barrels and other times with chemical weapons. These crimes, which constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, constitute a blatant example of the violation of human values and international law.
But the Syrian people, with their firm faith, unshakable will, and legendary resilience, did not surrender. Instead, they continued their great revolution, which spanned nearly fourteen years. During this revolution, the free children of Syria offered their blood and sacrifices, sweeping away the legacy of tyranny until a new dawn broke, and the sun of liberation shone over Damascus on December 8, 2024, announcing the end of the era of the criminal Assad regime and its supporters. This victory was then officially declared at the Victory Conference, where a historic statement was issued documenting the triumph of the Syrian revolution and the people's restoration of their decision-making and sovereignty over their land.
Today, as the homeland has been returned to its people, and they have returned to it to rebuild its foundations and protect its borders, the historical responsibility has become imperative to complete the struggle by fortifying this victory, consolidating the foundations of justice, ensuring that the tragedy will not be repeated, and protecting future generations from any new tyranny. Based on this national duty, and following intensive dialogues among the various components of Syrian society, conducted in an atmosphere of freedom and constructive exchange of views regarding the future of Syria, these dialogues culminated in the convening of the National Dialogue Conference, whose outcomes were issued on February 25, 2025, expressing national consensus on major issues, foremost among which are:
Preserving the unity and integrity of Syria, its land and people.
Achieving transitional justice and redressing victims.
Building a state of citizenship, freedom, dignity and the rule of law.
Organizing the country's affairs during the transitional period in accordance with the principles of good governance.
Based on the ancient and authentic values that characterize Syrian society with its diversity and cultural heritage, and on the established national and humanitarian principles, and keen to establish the foundations of sound constitutional governance, inspired by the spirit of previous Syrian constitutions, especially the 1950 Constitution (the Constitution of Independence), and in implementation of what was stipulated in the Declaration of the Victory of the Syrian Revolution issued on December 29, 2025, which is a solid foundation for this declaration.
The President of the Republic issues the following Constitutional Declaration, the introduction of which is an integral part:
General Provisions
The Syrian Arab Republic is an independent, fully sovereign state. It is an indivisible geographical and political unit, and no part of it may be relinquished.
The state establishes a political system based on the principle of separation of powers, and guarantees freedom and dignity for the citizen.
1- The religion of the President of the Republic is Islam, and Islamic jurisprudence is the main source of legislation.
2- Freedom of belief is protected. The State respects all Abrahamic religions and guarantees the freedom to perform all their rituals, provided that this does not disturb public order.
3- The civil status of religious sects is protected and respected in accordance with the law.
Arabic is the official language of the state.
Damascus is the capital of the Syrian Arab Republic, and the state emblem and national anthem are determined by law.
The Syrian flag will be as follows:
The flag is rectangular in shape, the length of which is equal to two-thirds of its width.
It includes three equal rectangles, green at the top, white in the middle, and black at the bottom.
In the middle of the flag, within the white space, are three red stars.
1- The state is committed to preserving the unity of Syrian territory, and criminalizes calls for division and secession, and requests for foreign intervention or external support.
2- The State is committed to achieving coexistence and societal stability, preserving civil peace, and preventing all forms of sedition, division, incitement to strife, and incitement to violence.
3- The State shall guarantee the cultural diversity of Syrian society in all its components, and the cultural and linguistic rights of all Syrians.
4- The state guarantees the fight against corruption.
1- The state seeks to coordinate with relevant countries and entities to support the reconstruction process in Syria.
2- The State shall work in coordination with relevant countries and international organizations to overcome obstacles to the voluntary return of refugees, displaced persons, and all forcibly displaced persons.
3- The State is committed to combating all types and forms of violent extremism, while respecting rights and freedoms.
1- The army is a professional national institution whose mission is to protect the country and preserve its security, safety, and territorial integrity, in accordance with the rule of law and the protection of human rights.
2- The state alone establishes the army. No individual, entity, body, or group is permitted to establish military or paramilitary formations, divisions, or organizations, and weapons are restricted to the state.
Citizens are equal before the law in rights and duties, without discrimination between them based on race, religion, gender or lineage.
1- The national economy aims to achieve social justice, comprehensive economic development, increase production, and raise the standard of living for citizens.
2- The national economy is based on the principle of free and fair competition and the prevention of monopoly.
3- The state encourages investment and protects investors in an attractive legal environment.
Rights and Freedoms
1- The State shall protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and guarantee the rights and freedoms of the citizen.
2- All rights and freedoms stipulated in international human rights treaties, charters, and agreements ratified by the Syrian Arab Republic are an integral part of this Constitutional Declaration.
1- The State guarantees freedom of opinion, expression, information, publication, and the press.
2- The State protects the sanctity of private life, and any violation thereof shall be considered a crime punishable by law.
3- Citizens shall have freedom of movement, and no citizen may be deported from their homeland or prevented from returning to it.
1- The State protects the right to political participation and the formation of political parties on a national basis, in accordance with a new law.
2- The State guarantees the functioning of associations and unions.
Employment is a right of citizens, and the State guarantees the principle of equal opportunity for all citizens.
1- The right to private property is protected, and it may not be expropriated except for the public good and in return for fair compensation.
2- Public wealth ownership is protected. All natural wealth and resources are public property. The state shall preserve, exploit, and invest them for the benefit of society.
1- Punishment is personal. No crime or punishment shall be established without a legal provision.
2- The right to litigate, defend oneself, and pursue avenues of appeal shall be protected by law. It is prohibited to stipulate in laws that exempt any administrative action or decision from judicial review.
3- The accused shall be innocent until proven guilty by a final court ruling.
1- The state shall protect human dignity and the sanctity of the body, and shall prohibit enforced disappearance and physical and mental torture. Torture crimes shall not be subject to statute of limitations.
2- Except in cases of flagrante delicto, no person may be arrested, detained, or have their freedom restricted except by a judicial decision.
Homes shall be protected. They may not be entered or searched except in the circumstances specified by law.
The family is the nucleus of society, and the state shall be committed to its protection.
1- The State shall preserve the social status of women, safeguard their dignity and role within the family and society, and guarantee their right to education and work.
2- The State shall guarantee the social, economic, and political rights of women and protect them from all forms of oppression, injustice, and violence.
The State shall work to protect children from exploitation and abuse and guarantee their right to education and healthcare.
The State shall protect the rights and freedoms stipulated in this Chapter, and they shall be exercised in accordance with the law. Their exercise may be subject to controls that constitute necessary measures for national security, territorial integrity, public safety, the protection of public order and the prevention of crime, or the protection of public health or morals.
The System of Government During the Transitional Period
Legislative authority shall be exercised by the People's Assembly.
1- The President of the Republic shall form a higher committee to select members of the People's Assembly.
2- The Higher Committee shall supervise the formation of electoral sub-committees, and these bodies shall elect two-thirds of the members of the People's Assembly.
3- The President of the Republic shall appoint one-third of the members of the People's Assembly to ensure fair representation and competence.
1- A member of the People's Assembly may not be removed except with the approval of two-thirds of its members.
2- A member of the People's Assembly shall enjoy parliamentary immunity.
1- The People's Assembly shall assume legislative authority until a permanent constitution is adopted and new legislative elections are held in accordance with it.
2- The term of the People's Assembly shall be thirty months, renewable.
Members of the People's Assembly shall take the oath before the President of the Republic. The oath shall be worded as follows: "I swear by Almighty God to perform my duties with honesty and sincerity."
At its first meeting, the People's Assembly shall elect a Presidents, two Deputies, and a Secretary. Elections shall be conducted by secret ballot and by majority vote. The oldest member shall preside over the first session until the election.
The People's Assembly shall prepare its rules of procedure within one month of its first session.
1- The People's Assembly shall undertake the following functions:
a- Proposing and approving laws.
b- Amending or repealing previous laws.
c- Ratifying international treaties.
d- Approving the state's general budget.
e- Approving a general amnesty.
f- Accepting or rejecting the resignation of a member or lifting his immunity in accordance with its rules of procedure.
g- Holding hearings for ministers.
2- The People's Assembly shall take its decisions by majority vote.
The President of the Republic and the ministers shall exercise executive authority within the limits stipulated in this Constitutional Declaration.
The President of the Republic is the Commander in Chief of the Army and Armed Forces, and is responsible for managing the country's affairs, its territorial integrity and safety, and safeguarding the interests of the people.
The President of the Republic shall take the constitutional oath before the People's Assembly. The oath shall be worded as follows: "I swear by Almighty God to faithfully preserve the sovereignty of the state, the unity of the country, the integrity of its territory, and the independence of its decision-making, and to defend it. I shall respect the law, safeguard the interests of the people, and strive with all sincerity and honesty to secure a decent life for them, achieve justice among them, and consolidate noble values and virtuous morals."
The President of the Republic shall appoint one or more Vice Presidents, define their powers, relieve them of their posts, and accept their resignations. In the event that the office of the President becomes vacant, the First Vice President shall assume the powers of the President of the Republic.
1- The President of the Republic shall appoint ministers, relieve them of their posts, and accept their resignations.
2- Ministers shall take the oath before the President of the Republic. The oath shall be worded as follows: "I swear by Almighty God to perform my duties faithfully and loyally."
The President of the Republic shall issue executive and regulatory regulations, control regulations, presidential orders and decrees in accordance with the laws.
The President of the Republic represents the state and is responsible for final signing of treaties with states and international organizations.
The President of the Republic appoints and dismisses heads of diplomatic missions to foreign countries and accepts the credentials of heads of foreign diplomatic missions to the Syrian Arab Republic.
1- The President of the Republic has the right to propose laws.
2- The President of the Republic promulgates the laws approved by the People's Assembly. He may object to them with a reasoned decision within one month of their receipt by the Assembly that is reviewing them. Laws shall not be approved after the objection unless approved by two-thirds of the People's Assembly, in which case the President of the Republic shall issue them by default.
The President of the Republic may grant special pardons and restore honor.
1- The President of the Republic shall declare general mobilization and war with the approval of the National Security Council.
2- If a grave and immediate danger threatens national unity, the integrity and independence of the homeland, or hinders state institutions from carrying out their constitutional duties, the President of the Republic may declare a state of emergency, partial or total, for a maximum period of three months in a statement to the people, after approval by the National Security Council and consultation with the Speaker of the People's Assembly and the President of the Constitutional Court. This state of emergency may not be extended for a second time except with the approval of the People's Assembly.
The executive authority shall assume the following:
1- Implementing the approved laws, plans, and programs.
2- Managing the affairs of the state and implementing public policies that achieve stability and development.
3- Preparing draft laws for the President of the Republic to propose to the People's Assembly.
4- Preparing general state plans.
5- Managing the state's public resources and ensuring their efficient and transparent use.
6- Rebuilding public institutions and strengthening the rule of law and good governance.
7- Building the security institution to ensure the enhancement of internal security and stability and the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms.
8- Building a professional national army whose mission is to defend the country’s borders and sovereignty, and to protect the people with patriotism and loyalty, while fully adhering to the laws in force.
9- Strengthening international relations and cooperation with international organizations to achieve national interests.
1- The judiciary is independent, and judges are subject only to the law.
2- The Supreme Judicial Council shall ensure the proper functioning of the judiciary and respect for its independence.
Courts shall be established and their jurisdictions shall be determined by law. The establishment of exceptional courts shall be prohibited.
1- The judicial system is dual and consists of the ordinary judiciary and the administrative judiciary.
2- The Supreme Judicial Council supervises the regular and military judiciary.
3- The State Council shall be responsible for administrative judiciary. It is an independent judicial and advisory body. The law shall specify its jurisdiction, the conditions for appointing its judges, and its powers.
The State Litigation Department is affiliated with the Ministry of Justice and its jurisdiction is regulated by law.
1- The existing Supreme Constitutional Court shall be dissolved and a new Supreme Constitutional Court shall be established.
2- The Supreme Constitutional Court shall consist of seven members appointed by the President of the Republic, each of whom shall possess integrity, competence, and experience. Its working mechanisms and powers shall be regulated by law.
Final Provisions
The state paves the way for the achievement of transitional justice by:
1- Abolishing all exceptional laws that have harmed the Syrian people and conflict with human rights.
2- Canceling the effects of the unjust rulings issued by the Anti-Terrorism Court that were used to suppress the Syrian people, including the return of confiscated property.
3- Canceling the exceptional security measures related to civil and real estate documents that the former regime used to suppress the Syrian people.
1- A transitional justice commission shall be established, adopting effective, consultative, victim-centered mechanisms to determine accountability, the right to truth, and justice for victims and survivors, in addition to honoring martyrs.
2- War crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and all crimes committed by the former regime are excluded from the principle of non-retroactivity of laws.
3- The state criminalizes the glorification of the defunct Assad regime and its symbols, and denial, praise, justification, or downplaying its crimes are crimes punishable by law.
The Constitutional Declaration shall be amended with the approval of two-thirds of the People's Assembly based on a proposal by the President of the Republic.
The applicable laws shall remain in effect unless amended or repealed.
The transitional period shall be five calendar years, beginning from the date of entry into force of this Constitutional Declaration. It shall end after the adoption of a permanent constitution for the country and the organization of elections in accordance therewith.
This Declaration shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall be effective from the date of its publication.