MSDThe fifteenth anniversary of the start of the Syrian Revolution marks a historic moment when Syrians clearly expressed their desire for change. It reflected their legitimate aspiration to build a state founded on freedom, dignity, and justice. Syrians took to the streets in cities and towns across the country to demand their basic rights. They also affirmed that the future of their country must be built on the will of the people, the rule of law, and respect for the country’s diverse social, cultural, and national components.
The fall of the Assad regime brought an end to a long period of authoritarian rule and political exclusion. It began a new chapter in Syria’s history. This development represented a moment in which Syrians regained a sense of hope and created a real opportunity to rebuild the state on sound and stable foundations. Such foundations can help end cycles of violence and repression and pave the way for a new national phase based on participation, shared responsibility, and strong public institutions.
The goals for which the Syrian Revolution began continue to serve as an important national reference for any serious and responsible political process. Freedom, dignity, democracy, and justice remain essential principles for Syria’s future. These principles must be accompanied by the concept of equal citizenship for all Syrians. A future Syrian state should guarantee the rights of all citizens without discrimination and protect the country’s ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity as a national strength rather than a source of tension.
In light of the profound changes that have taken place in the recent period, the national political process should draw guidance from the core principles of the relevant international resolutions. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 established key principles that remain valid regardless of changes in political actors or circumstances. Although the political landscape has changed following the fall of the former regime, the fundamental principles of this resolution remain an important international reference. These principles include launching a comprehensive political process that leads to the drafting of a democratic constitution and the holding of free and fair elections. They also include ensuring a safe and stable environment that allows the broad participation of all Syrians.
This approach is further reinforced by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2799, which reaffirmed that a comprehensive political solution is the only path toward lasting stability in Syria. The resolution also stresses that any transitional process that does not ensure genuine representation of all Syrians lacks the legitimacy necessary for long-term stability.
From this perspective, the current transitional phase places significant responsibilities on all political and social forces. These responsibilities must be addressed with seriousness and commitment. Correcting the course of this phase requires the launch of a genuine democratic political process that should be based on comprehensive national dialogue which ensures the participation of all Syrians without exclusion or marginalization. It should lead to the formulation of a new social contract that reflects the aspirations of the Syrian people in all their diversity and establishes the foundations of a democratic civil state based on genuine partnership.
Reforming state institutions on professional and national foundations is also essential for achieving stability and strengthening trust between the state and society. This requires deep institutional restructuring and the consolidation of the rule of law. It also calls for adopting modern democratic governance models based on decentralization. Such an approach would allow broader and more effective participation of local communities in managing their own affairs and would strengthen a shared sense of national belonging.
Syria cannot move toward genuine stability without addressing the consequences of the long years of conflict in a serious and responsible manner. Achieving justice for war victims, clarifying the fate of detainees and forcibly disappeared persons, providing reparations, and promoting community reconciliation are all essential pillars for building lasting peace. These steps are also necessary for restoring the national social fabric that has been deeply affected by war and divisions.
In this context, transitional justice is not a secondary issue that can be postponed. Rather, it is one of the fundamental conditions for sustainable stability.
On this national occasion, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) reaffirms its full commitment to working with all Syrian national forces to advance a democratic political process that preserves Syria’s unity and sovereignty. This process should lay the foundations for a pluralistic civil state based on genuine partnership among all components of Syrian society. The SDC also extends its appreciation to the Syrian people for their resilience and the sacrifices they have made. It affirms that the future Syrians deserve is a just, stable, and democratic state that embraces all its citizens and restores Syria’s role and standing in the region.
Syrian Democratic Council
March 15, 2026
