Constitutional Declaration of the Syrian Arab Republic (in English)

 Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic

Constitutional Declaration of the Syrian Arab Republic

Introduction

At the dawn of a memorable day, the morning of victory breathed its last, and Syria embarked on a new era, heralding the end of injustice and oppression and the revival of hope in 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. The regime monopolized power, confiscated rights, and enabled a repressive, authoritarian rule that destroyed 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, comprehensive destruction, brutal torture, forced displacement, an unjust siege, and the direct targeting of civilians. In addition, homes were 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, solid will, and legendary steadfastness, did not surrender. Rather, they continued their great revolution, which spanned nearly fourteen years. During this revolution, the free sons 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 announced at the Victory Conference, where a historic statement was issued documenting the victory 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 sons, and they have returned to it to build its pillars and protect its borders, the historical responsibility has become imperative to complete the path of struggle by fortifying this victory, consolidating the foundations of justice, ensuring that the tragedy is not repeated, and protecting future generations from any new tyranny. Based on this national duty, and after intensive dialogues between the various components of Syrian society, conducted in an atmosphere of freedom and constructive exchange of views regarding the future of Syria, culminating in the convening of the National Dialogue Conference, the outcomes of which were issued on February 25, 2025, expressing national consensus on major issues, and in its introduction:

• 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 constitutes a solid foundation for this declaration, the President of the Republic issues the following Constitutional Declaration, the introduction of which is an integral part:

Chapter One: General Provisions

Article 1 - Independence, sovereignty

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.

Article 2 - Political system

The state establishes a political system based on the principle of separation of powers, and guarantees freedom and dignity for the citizen.

Article 3 - Islam, freedom of belief, personal status

1. The religion of the President of the Republic is Islam, and Islamic jurisprudence is the principal source of legislation.

   2 - Freedom of belief is protected. The State respects all divine religions and guarantees the freedom to perform all their rituals, provided that this does not disturb public order.

2. The personal status of religious sects is protected and respected in accordance with the law.

Article 4 - Official language

Arabic is the official language of the country.

Article 5- Capital of the republic, emblem and anthem

Damascus is the capital of the Syrian Arab Republic, and the state emblem and national anthem are determined by law.

Article 6-Flag

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.

Article 7 - The State's objectives

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 guarantees 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.

Article 8 - Reconstruction, refugees, extremism

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.

Article 9-Armed forces

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 is the one that establishes the army. It is prohibited for any individual, body, entity, or group to establish military or paramilitary formations, divisions, or organizations, and weapons are restricted in the hands of the state.

Article 10 - Equality

Citizens are equal before the law in rights and duties, without discrimination based on race, religion, gender or lineage.

Article 11 - Economic principles

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.

Chapter Two: Rights and Freedoms

Article 12 - The State's obligations, International treaties

1. The State shall protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and guarantee the rights and freedoms of citizens.

2. All rights and freedoms stipulated in international human rights treaties, charters and agreements ratified by the Syrian Arab Republic are considered an integral part of this Constitutional Declaration.

Article 13 - Expression, privacy, movement

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. The citizen has the freedom of movement, and the citizen may not be deported from his homeland or prevented from returning.

Article 14 - Political participation, assembly

1. The State shall protect the right to political participation and the formation of parties on national foundations according to a new law.

2. The state guarantees the work of associations and unions.

Article 15 - Right to work

Work is a right for citizens, and the state guarantees the principle of equal opportunities for all citizens.

Article 16 - Private property, expropriation, natural resources

1. The right to private property is protected, and it may not be expropriated except for the public benefit and in return for fair compensation.

2. Ownership of public funds is protected and all natural wealth and its resources are public property. The state preserves, exploits and invests it for the benefit of society.

Article 17 - Due process

1. Punishment is personal, and there is no crime or punishment except by text.

2. The right to litigate, defend, and pursue appeals is protected by law. It is prohibited to stipulate in laws that any administrative action or decision is immune from judicial oversight.

3. The accused is innocent until proven guilty by a final court ruling.

Article 18 - Human dignity, torture, no arrest without a court decision

1. The State shall protect human dignity and the sanctity of the body and shall prohibit enforced disappearance and physical and moral torture. Torture crimes shall not be subject to a statute of limitations.

2. Except in the case of a flagrante delicto, no person may be arrested, detained or have his freedom restricted except by a judicial decision.

Article 19 - Inviolability of home

Homes are inviolable and may not be entered or searched except in cases specified by law.

Article 20 - Family

The family is the nucleus of society, and the state is committed to protecting it.

Article 21- Status of women

1. The State shall preserve the social status of women, protect their dignity and their 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.

Article 22 - Children

The State shall work to protect children from exploitation and abuse, and guarantee their right to education and health care.

Article 23- Limitations

The State shall protect the rights and freedoms set forth in this Chapter, and they shall be exercised in accordance with the law. Their exercise may be subject to limitations 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.

Chapter Three: The System of Government During the Transitional Phase

First - The legislative authority

Legislative power is exercised by the People's Assembly.

Article 24 - Composition

1. The President of the Republic shall form a higher committee to select members of the People's Assembly.

2. The Supreme Committee shall supervise the formation of electoral sub-committees, and these shall elect two-thirds of the members of the People's Assembly.

3. The President of the Republic appoints one-third of the members of the People's Assembly to ensure fair representation and efficiency.

Article 25- Removal

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 enjoys parliamentary immunity.

Article 26- Term

1. The People's Assembly shall assume legislative authority until a permanent constitution is adopted and legislative elections are organised in accordance with that constitution.

   2 - The term of the People's Assembly is thirty months, renewable.

Article 27 - Oath

Members of the People's Assembly shall take the oath before the President of the Republic, and the wording of the oath shall be : "I swear by Almighty God to perform my duties with honesty and sincerity."

Article 28 - President, Vice Presidents, Secretary

The People's Assembly shall elect, at its first meeting, a President, two Vice Presidents, and a Secretary. The election shall be by secret ballot and by majority, and the oldest member shall chair the first session until the election.

Article 29 - Rules of procedure

The People's Assembly shall prepare its internal rules of procedure within one month of its first session.

Article 30 - Responsibilities

The People's Assembly shall undertake the following responsibilities:

a. Proposing and approving laws.

b. Amending or repealing previous laws.

c. Ratification of international treaties.

d. Approval of the state's general budget.

e. Approval of a general amnesty.

f. To accept or reject the resignation of one of its members or lift his immunity in accordance with its internal regulations.

g. Hold hearings for ministers.

h. The People's Assembly takes its decisions by majority.

Second: Executive authority

Article 31 - Executive power

The President of the Republic and the Ministers exercise executive power within the limits stipulated in this Constitutional Declaration.

Article 32- Commander in chief

The President of the Republic is the Supreme Commander of the Army and Armed Forces, and is responsible for managing the country's affairs, its territorial integrity and safety, and for protecting the interests of the people.

Article 33- Oath

The President of the Republic takes the constitutional oath before the People's Assembly. The oath shall be worded as follows : "I swear by Almighty God to faithfully uphold the sovereignty of the State, the unity of the country, the integrity of its territories, and the independence of its decision, and to defend them. 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 establish noble values and virtuous morals."

Article 34 - Vice President(s)

The President of the Republic appoints one or more Vice Presidents, determines their powers, dismisses them from their positions, and accepts their resignations. In the event of a vacancy in the presidency, the First Vice President assumes the powers of the President of the Republic.

Article 35 – Cabinet composition, oath

1. The President of the Republic appoints ministers, dismisses them from their posts, and accepts their resignations.

2. Ministers take the oath before the President of the Republic. The oath is worded as follows: “I swear by Almighty God to perform my duties with honesty and loyalty.”

Article 36 – Regulatory powers

The President of the Republic issues executive and regulatory regulations, control regulations, presidential orders and decisions in accordance with the laws.

Article 37 – Representation of the state, signature power, signature of treaties

The President of the Republic represents the state and is responsible for the final signing of treaties with countries and international organizations.

Article 38 – Ambassadors

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.

Article 39 – Law making process

1. The President of the Republic has the right to propose laws.

2. The President of the Republic issues the laws approved by the People’s Assembly, and he has the right to object to them with a reasoned decision within one month from the date of their receipt from the Assembly that is reviewing them. Laws shall not be approved after the objection except with the approval of two-thirds of the People’s Assembly, in which case the President of the Republic shall issue them by decree.

Article 40 – Pardon

The President of the Republic may grant a special pardon and restore honor.

Article 41 – Mobilisation, state of emergency

1. The President of the Republic declares general mobilization and war after the approval of the National Security Council.

2. If a serious and immediate danger arises that threatens national unity or 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, partially or completely, for a maximum period of three months in a statement to the people after the approval of the National Security Council and consultation with the Speaker of the People’s Assembly and the President of the Constitutional Court. It shall not be extended for a second time except after the approval of the People’s Assembly.

Article 42 – Responsibilities

The executive authority shall undertake the following:

1. Implementing approved laws, plans and programmes.

2. Managing state affairs 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 plans for the state.

5. Managing the state’s public resources and ensuring their effective and transparent use.

6. Rebuilding public institutions and strengthening the rule of law and good governance.

7. Building the security institution to ensure the strengthening of internal security and stability and 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.

8. Strengthening international relations and cooperation with international organizations to achieve national interests.

Third: Judicial authority

Article 43 – Independence, Supreme Judicial Council

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.

Article 44 – Exceptional courts

Courts shall be established and their jurisdictions shall be determined by law. The establishment of exceptional courts shall be prohibited.

Article 45 – Responsibilities of judicial bodies

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 is responsible for administrative justice. It is an independent judicial and advisory body. The law defines its jurisdiction, the conditions for appointing its judges, and its powers.

Article 46 – State Cases Administration

The State Cases Administration is affiliated with the Ministry of Justice and its jurisdiction is regulated by law.

Article 47 – Constitutional Court

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.

Chapter Four – Final Provisions

Article 48 – Transitional justice

The state paves the way for the achievement of transitional justice by:

1. Cancel all exceptional laws that have harmed the Syrian people and are inconsistent with human rights.

2. Cancel 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. Cancel the exceptional security measures related to civil and real estate documents, which the former regime used to suppress the Syrian people.

Article 49 – Transitional justice commission

1. A transitional justice commission shall be established, adopting effective, consultative, victim-centered mechanisms to determine accountability mechanisms, the right to know the 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. The state criminalizes the glorification of the former Assad regime and its symbols, the denial or praising of its crimes, justifying or downplaying them, all of which are crimes punishable by law.

Article 50 – Amendment

The Constitutional Declaration shall be amended with the approval of two-thirds of the People's Assembly based on a proposal from the President of the Republic.

Article 51 – Laws in force

Legislation already in force shall remain in effect unless amended or repealed.

Article 52 – Length of interim period

The interim period shall be five calendar years, commencing 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 holding of elections in accordance therewith.

Article 53 – Publication in Official Gazette

This announcement shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall be effective from the date of its publication.

President of the Syrian Arab Republic

Syrian Arab Republic 13 Ramadan 1446 AH March 13, 2025 AD