Syrian Initiative for Fundamental Rights

Background

On 14 March 2025, Syria's transitional president issued an interim Constitutional Declaration to govern the post-transition phase. Article 12 of the Declaration treats international treaties and conventions ratified by Syria as an integral part of the Declaration itself, a first in Syrian constitutional practice.

This text is an opportunity to advance respect for international human-rights standards and the rule of law. Translating the constitutional commitment into practice requires independent technical monitoring, careful legal analysis, and active civil-society engagement, so that legislation and public policy align with international obligations and with the Syrian context.

Over more than fourteen years, Syrian civil society has accumulated substantial expertise in human rights, transitional justice, monitoring and documentation, legal analysis, mediation, and governance. The current moment calls for an organised, independent framework that supports the building of a state grounded in citizenship and the rule of law, and that advances participation, accountability, and non-discrimination.

From this position, the Syrian Initiative for Fundamental Rights was founded.

What the Initiative is

The Syrian Initiative for Fundamental Rights is an independent Syrian initiative founded by a group of Syrian organisations active for years in human rights, transitional justice, and applied research in the Syrian context.

The Initiative conducts independent technical monitoring of Syria's compliance with the international human-rights framework, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ICCPR, the ICESCR, the rules of international human-rights law and international humanitarian law, and the international treaties Syria has ratified.

The Initiative also works to advance the rule of law, equality, non-discrimination, and the building of public institutions on democratic foundations. It is fully independent of any political, religious, party, or governmental affiliation.

Vision

A democratic Syria built on equal citizenship and the rule of law, in which all Syrians live as equals, free from any form of discrimination.

Mission

To conduct independent technical monitoring of the alignment between Syrian legislation and public policy and international human-rights standards, and to provide practical recommendations and advice that strengthen the rule of law, equality, and the building of democratic institutions grounded in participation and accountability.

Strategic objectives

1. Strengthen Syrian state compliance with international treaties and conventions in line with the Constitutional Declaration.
2. Support the building of public institutions grounded in democracy, human rights, and full and equal participation.
3. Advance the rule of law and ensure equality among Syrians, as individuals and as groups.
4. Assess public policies that affect citizens' rights and obligations.
5. Offer practical options and alternatives for developing the legislative environment and executive policies in line with international standards.

Audiences

• Decision-makers in transitional authorities and public institutions
• Syrian political and societal actors
• Civil society organisations
• Regional and international partners engaged in supporting the Syrian transition
• Syrian public opinion

Values

• Working for the public interest
• Commitment to the international human-rights framework as the foundation for an inclusive Syrian future
• Transparency, accountability, and the right of access to information
• Full equality and non-discrimination on any basis
• Support for civil peace and durable justice as conditions for a democratic state

Methodology

• Use international treaties, general comments, and UN mechanisms as the reference point for evaluation.
• Comparative legal analysis between national laws and policies and international standards.
• Monitoring of public policies and executive measures, and assessment of their impact on fundamental rights.
• Development of technical indicators to measure compliance with international obligations.
• Periodic reports with practical, actionable recommendations.
• Constructive professional engagement with official bodies and with local and international experts and actors.
• Phased prioritisation, with an initial focus on urgent fundamental rights in the transitional context.

Tracks of work

1. Monitoring and analysis of legislation, policies, and measures issued by transitional authorities and local actors.
2. Public dialogues on fundamental rights and awareness of international standards.
3. Practical technical outputs: briefings, policy memoranda, actionable recommendations.
4. Advocacy with regional and international actors influencing Syria's compliance with its international commitments.