In a recent statement from Beirut, Human Rights Watch raised alarm over Syria’s newly established constitutional declaration, designed to oversee the country’s transitional phase. The declaration promises to concentrate power within the executive branch, potentially jeopardising judicial independence, as voiced by the organisation on March 13, 2025. This document, signed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, endows him with sweeping powers, including control over judicial and legislative appointments without any oversight or checks.
Syria’s newly adopted constitutional declaration, approved on March 13, 2025, centralises power in the executive and threatens judicial independence, according to Human Rights Watch. The document grants President al-Sharaa extensive authority over appointments, raising concerns over human rights protections and rule of law. Recommendations for revising the declaration to ensure oversight and accountability have been made to foster a genuine democratic transition.
This constitutional declaration has ignited widespread concern due to its potential to consolidate power and undermine fundamental freedoms in Syria. The lack of independent oversight and robust safeguards for human rights and judicial independence poses grave risks to the nation’s transition towards democracy. To secure a future grounded in rights and accountability, the current declaration must be revised to enable true separation of powers.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
