Syria has established a committee to draft a constitutional declaration post-Assad’s removal. The seven-member group, chaired by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aims to create a legal framework for the country’s transition. This initiative reflects the Syrian people’s desire for a law-based state following years of conflict.
On Sunday, Syria’s interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced the establishment of a committee tasked with drafting a constitutional declaration aimed at guiding the nation through its transition following the removal of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad. This initiative marks the beginning of Syria’s rebuilding efforts after over 50 years of Assad’s family rule and 13 years of devastating conflict.
The committee comprises seven members, including one woman, and has been charged with formulating a document to regulate the transitional phase in Syria. After the overthrow of Assad on December 8, the new authorities have invalidated the previous constitution, with Sharaa indicating that the process of drafting a new one may extend up to three years.
In late January, President Sharaa expressed his commitment to a constitutional declaration that would serve as a legal framework during this critical transitional period. The formation of this committee is aligned with the aspirations of the Syrian populace for a state governed by law. It aims to establish a legal structure for the transitional phase, reflecting outcomes from a national dialogue conference recently held.
The committee features experts such as Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a constitutional law scholar, and Bahia Mardini, the only female member and a British-based journalist with a doctorate in law. Additionally, other members hold various academic credentials in law, which underscores the committee’s emphasis on professional expertise.
This week’s national dialogue conference generated resolutions advocating for a constitutional committee devoted to drafting a permanent constitution aimed at ensuring justice, freedom, equality, and instilling a law-based state and institutions. The ongoing conflict in Syria, which began in 2011 due to the repression of anti-government protests by Assad, has inflicted severe humanitarian consequences, resulting in over 500,000 fatalities and displacing millions.
The formation of the committee to draft a constitutional declaration represents a significant step in Syria’s transition towards rebuilding its political framework after the removal of Bashar al-Assad. By establishing a legal foundation that champions justice and equality, the new authorities aim to address the aspirations of the Syrian people for a democratic state. The diverse expertise of the committee’s members is crucial for creating a well-informed and balanced constitution in the coming years.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
