KNCS Urges Syrian Leadership to Guarantee Kurdish Rights in the New Syria
KNCS emphasized the necessity of drafting a constitution that guarantees the rights of all Syrians, including the Kurdish community, to prevent exclusion and discrimination.
Feb. 5, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNCS) has called on the interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa to take decisive steps in ensuring stability, ending the suffering of Syrians, and laying the groundwork for free and fair elections.
In an official statement, KNCS emphasized the necessity of drafting a constitution that guarantees the rights of all Syrians, including the Kurdish community, to prevent exclusion and discrimination.
The statement also extended congratulations to al-Sharaa on assuming the presidency, urging him to safeguard fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of expression, and to dismantle the remnants of the authoritarian policies imposed by the former regime.
It further highlighted the need for the safe and dignified return of displaced Syrians, including Kurdish residents of Afrin, Tal Abyad, and Ras al-Ayn, who were forcibly displaced.
Addressing Historic Grievances
Faisal Yusuf, a senior member of the KNCS presidential body and the council’s official spokesperson, stressed the urgency of reversing policies that historically marginalized the Kurds in Syria.
Yusuf stated that the interim government must prioritize the abolition of discriminatory measures such as the “Arab Belt” policy and the exceptional census, both of which systematically targeted Kurdish communities. He called for restoring the rights of those affected, including reinstating citizenship to those stripped of it under previous policies.
Yusuf underscored the importance of facilitating the return of displaced Kurds to their homes, particularly in Afrin, Ras al-Ayn, and Tal Abyad, while ensuring compensation for those who suffered losses due to forced displacement and demographic changes.
Kurdish Rights in the New Syrian Constitution
The KNCS official also stressed the necessity of constitutionally recognizing Kurdish national rights alongside those of Arabs, Syriacs, and Turkmens. He urged the inclusion of protections for religious minorities such as the Druze and Alawites while advocating for equal representation of all communities in state institutions.
Yusuf further called for Kurdish to be officially recognized alongside Arabic in Kurdish-majority areas, noting that additional details regarding Kurdish rights and governance would be discussed in future negotiations on Syria’s political framework.
The Future of Armed Groups and Political Dialogue
Regarding the future of armed groups, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Yusuf noted that with the fall of the authoritarian regime, Syria must transition toward a democratic state built on dialogue and national partnership.
He stressed that the new Syria should be based on genuine political inclusivity, recognizing the sacrifices made by those who resisted dictatorship and fought against terrorism, without any form of marginalization.
Looking ahead to the anticipated national dialogue, KNCS reaffirmed that Kurdish political movements are working toward establishing a unified Kurdish delegation to engage with the new authorities.
This delegation aims to negotiate Syria’s future structure, Kurdish political and cultural rights, and a framework that ensures meaningful Kurdish participation in shaping the country’s new political order within a comprehensive national settlement.