| SYRIA Syrian Arab Republic Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 12/27/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Damascus
22,198,110
note: the population estimates previously published on this site for the West Bank, East
Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights are under review, please check back in the future for revised
estimates(July 2010 est.)
note: the population estimates previously published on this site for the West Bank, East
Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights are under review, please check back in the future for revised
estimates(July 2010 est.)
Muhammad Naji al-Utri
Prime Minister since 10 September 2003
Prime Minister since 10 September 2003
President approved by popular referendum for a second seven-year
term (no term limits); referendum last held on 27 May 2007; the
president appoints the vice president
Next scheduled election: 2014
term (no term limits); referendum last held on 27 May 2007; the
president appoints the vice president
Next scheduled election: 2014
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
President appoints the prime minister and deputy prime ministers;
elections: last held on 22-23 April 2007
Next scheduled election: 2011
elections: last held on 22-23 April 2007
Next scheduled election: 2011
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%
| RELIGIONS |
Sunni Muslim 74%, other Muslim (includes Alawite, Druze) 16%, Christian (various denominations) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in
Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)
Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic under an authoritarian military-dominated regime with 14 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Legal system is based on
a combination of French and Ottoman civil law; Islamic law is used in the family court system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction
Executive: President approved by popular referendum for a second seven-year term (no term limits); referendum last held on 27 May 2007
(next to be held in May 2014); the president appoints the vice presidents, prime minister, and deputy prime ministers
Legislative: Unicameral People's Council or Majlis al-Shaab (250 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year
terms)
elections: last held on 22-23 April 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Judicial Council (appoints and dismisses judges; headed by the President); national level - Supreme
Constitutional Court (adjudicates electoral disputes and rules on constitutionality of laws and decrees; justices appointed for
four-year terms by the President); Court of Cassation; Appeals Courts (Appeals Courts represent an intermediate level between the
Court of Cassation and local level courts); local level - Magistrate Courts; Courts of First Instance; Juvenile Courts; Customs
Courts; specialized courts - Economic Security Courts (hear cases related to economic crimes); Supreme State Security Court
(hear cases related to national security); Personal Status Courts (religious; hear cases related to marriage and divorce)
a combination of French and Ottoman civil law; Islamic law is used in the family court system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction
Executive: President approved by popular referendum for a second seven-year term (no term limits); referendum last held on 27 May 2007
(next to be held in May 2014); the president appoints the vice presidents, prime minister, and deputy prime ministers
Legislative: Unicameral People's Council or Majlis al-Shaab (250 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year
terms)
elections: last held on 22-23 April 2007 (next to be held in 2011)
Judicial: Supreme Judicial Council (appoints and dismisses judges; headed by the President); national level - Supreme
Constitutional Court (adjudicates electoral disputes and rules on constitutionality of laws and decrees; justices appointed for
four-year terms by the President); Court of Cassation; Appeals Courts (Appeals Courts represent an intermediate level between the
Court of Cassation and local level courts); local level - Magistrate Courts; Courts of First Instance; Juvenile Courts; Customs
Courts; specialized courts - Economic Security Courts (hear cases related to economic crimes); Supreme State Security Court
(hear cases related to national security); Personal Status Courts (religious; hear cases related to marriage and divorce)
| LANGUAGES |
Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian widely understood; French, English somewhat understood
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Archaeologists have demonstrated that civilization in Syria was one of the most ancient on earth. Around the excavated city of Ebla
in northern Syria, an Italian mission led by Prof. Paolo Matthiae discovered in 1975, a great Semitic empire spread from the Red
Sea north to Turkey and east to Mesopotamia from 2500 to 2400 BC Ebla appears to have been founded around 3000 BC and
gradually built its empire through trade with the cities of Sumer and Akkad, as well as with peoples to the northwest. Gifts from
Pharoah found during excavations confirm Ebla's contact with Egypt. Scholars believe the language of Ebla to be among the oldest
known written Semitic languages. The Eblan civilization was likely conquered by Sargon of Akkad around 2260 BC; the city was
restored as the nation of the Amorites a few centuries later and flourished through the early second millennium BC until conquered
by the Hittites. During the second millennium BC, Syria was occupied successively by Canaanites, Phoenicians, and Arameans as
part of the general disruptions associated with the Sea Peoples. The Hebrews eventually settled south of Damascus, in the areas
later known as Palestine; the Phoenicians settled along the coastline of these areas as well as in the west, in the area (Lebanon)
already known for its cedars. Egyptians, Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Hittites variously occupied the strategic ground of
Syria during this period, as it was a marchland between their various empires. Eventually the Persians took control of Syria as part
of their general control of Southwest Asia; this control transferred to the Greeks after Alexander the Great's conquests and thence
to the Romans and the Byzantines. Syria was an important Roman province from 64 BC. In the 3rd century Syria was home to
Elagabalus, a Roman emperor of the Severan dynasty who reigned from 218 to 222. Elagabalus' family held hereditary rights to the
priesthood of the sun god El-Gabal, of whom Elagabalus was the high priest at Emesa (modern Homs) in Syria. Syria is significant in
the history of Christianity; Paul was converted on the Road to Damascus and established the first organized Christian Church at
Antioch in ancient Syria, from which he left on many of his missionary journeys. In 616 Syria was subjugated for a brief period by
the Persian Khosrau II; from 622 till 628 it was again Byzantine; 636 and the immediately following years saw its conquest by the
Muslims (see Battle of Yarmuk). Muawiya I, the first Omayyad caliph, chose Damascus for his residence. During the struggles of
the Islamic dynasties for the possession of Syria the country still enjoyed a considerable degree of prosperity. In 750, it came under
Abbasid dominion, losing prominence due to the move of Abbasid capital to Baghdad. From 960 to c. 1020 the Byzantine Empire
launched a string of successful counter-attacks, capturing Antioch, Tarsus and Aleppo (twice). Under John Tzimiskes Syria was
completely overrun; Damascus itself, the former capital of the Islamic world was captured, although only for a brief period. The
invasion of Seljuk Turks in the latter half of the 11th century put an end to Byzantine Syria. Nonetheless the majority of the
Population remained Christian, allowing for a significant pool of Turcopoles to be raised in the Crusader armies. In the 12th century,
Syria was conquered by the Fatimids, and became the center of anti-crusader activity, especially for Zengi, Nur-ed din and his
successor and rival, Saladin. Even so, sections of the coastline of Syria were briefly held by Frankish crusader states. In the 13th
century, the first Mongols arrived, destroying cities and irrigation works. By the end of the 15th century, the discovery of a sea route
from Europe to the Far East ended the need for an overland trade route through Syria. Shattered by the Mongols, Syria was part of
the Ottoman Empire from the 16th through 20th centuries, and found itself largely apart from, and ignored by, world affairs. After
World War I, the Ottoman Empire was dissolved, and in 1922 the League of Nations split the dominion of the former Syria
between two countries: the United Kingdom received Transjordan and Palestine, and France received what was to become
modern-day Syria and Lebanon. In 1920, an independent Arab Kingdom of Syria was established under King Faisal of the
Hashemite family, who later became the King of Iraq. However, his rule over Syria ended after only a few months, following the
clash between his Syrian Arab forces and regular French forces at the Battle of Maysalun. French troops occupied Syria later that
year after the League of Nations put Syria under French mandate. In 1925, Syrian resistance to French colonial rule broke out in
full scale revolt. Syria and France negotiated a treaty of independence in September of 1936, and Hashim al-Atassi, who was Prime
Minister under King Faisal's brief reign, was the first president to be elected under a new constitution, effectively the first incarnation
of the modern republic of Syria. However, France reneged on the treaty and refused to ratify it. With the fall of France in 1940
during World War II, Syria came under the control of the Vichy Government until the British and Free French occupied the country
in July 1941. Syria proclaimed its independence again in 1941 but it wasn't until January 1, 1944 that it was recognized as an
independent republic. On February 26 1945 Syria declared war on Germany and Japan. Although rapid economic development
followed the declaration of independence, Syrian politics from independence through the late 1960s was marked by upheaval. In
1949, Syria's national government was overthrown by a military coup d'etat led by Hussni al-Zaim. Later that year Zaim was
overthrown by his colleague Sami al-Hinnawi. Few months later, Hinnawi was overthrown by Colonel Adib al-Sheeshakli. The
latter continued to rule the country until 1954, when growing public opposition forced him to resign and leave the country. In
November 1956 Syria signed a pact with the Soviet Union, providing a foothold for Communist influence within the government in
exchange for planes, tanks, and other military equipment being sent to Syria. Syria's political instability during the years after the
1954 coup, the parallelism of Syrian and Egyptian policies, and the appeal of Egyptian President Gamal Abdal Nasser's leadership
in the wake of the Suez crisis created support in Syria for union with Egypt. On February 1, 1958, Syrian president Shukri
al-Kuwatli and Nasser announced the merging of the two countries, creating the United Arab Republic, and all Syrian political
parties, as well as the Communists therein, ceased overt activities. The union was not a success, however. Following a military coup
on September 28, 1961, Syria seceded, reestablishing itself as the Syrian Arab Republic. In Junewar 1967 Syria opened an attack
on Israel and shelled Israeli villages from the Golan, and Israel invaded , captured and occupied the Golan. Syria and captured and
occupied the Golan . This invasion weakened the radical socialist regime established by the 1966 coup. Conflict developed between
an extremist military wing and a more moderate civilian wing of the Baath Party. The 1970 retreat of Syrian forces sent to aid the
PLO during the "Black September" hostilities with Jordan reflected this political disagreement within the ruling Baath leadership. On
November 13, 1970, Minister of Defense Hafiz al-Asad effected a bloodless military coup, ousting the civilian party leadership and
assuming the role of President. Hafiz al-Assad died on June 10, 2000, after 30 years in power. Immediately following al-Assad's
death, the Parliament amended the constitution, reducing the mandatory minimum age of the President from 40 to 34, which allowed
his son, Bashar al-Assad, to become legally eligible for nomination by the ruling Baath party. On July 10, 2000, Bashar al-Assad
was elected President. On October 5, 2003, Israel bombed a site near Damascus, claiming it was a terrorist training facility for
members of Islamic Jihad. The raid was in retaliation for the bombing of a restaurant in the Israeli town of Haifa that killed 19.
Islamic Jihad said the camp was not in use; Syria said the attack was on a civilian area. The United States Congress passed the
Syria Accountability Act in 2003, with the goal of ending what the U.S. sees as Syrian involvement in Lebanon, Iraq, terrorism, and
weapons of mass destruction through international sanctions.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Syria
in northern Syria, an Italian mission led by Prof. Paolo Matthiae discovered in 1975, a great Semitic empire spread from the Red
Sea north to Turkey and east to Mesopotamia from 2500 to 2400 BC Ebla appears to have been founded around 3000 BC and
gradually built its empire through trade with the cities of Sumer and Akkad, as well as with peoples to the northwest. Gifts from
Pharoah found during excavations confirm Ebla's contact with Egypt. Scholars believe the language of Ebla to be among the oldest
known written Semitic languages. The Eblan civilization was likely conquered by Sargon of Akkad around 2260 BC; the city was
restored as the nation of the Amorites a few centuries later and flourished through the early second millennium BC until conquered
by the Hittites. During the second millennium BC, Syria was occupied successively by Canaanites, Phoenicians, and Arameans as
part of the general disruptions associated with the Sea Peoples. The Hebrews eventually settled south of Damascus, in the areas
later known as Palestine; the Phoenicians settled along the coastline of these areas as well as in the west, in the area (Lebanon)
already known for its cedars. Egyptians, Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Hittites variously occupied the strategic ground of
Syria during this period, as it was a marchland between their various empires. Eventually the Persians took control of Syria as part
of their general control of Southwest Asia; this control transferred to the Greeks after Alexander the Great's conquests and thence
to the Romans and the Byzantines. Syria was an important Roman province from 64 BC. In the 3rd century Syria was home to
Elagabalus, a Roman emperor of the Severan dynasty who reigned from 218 to 222. Elagabalus' family held hereditary rights to the
priesthood of the sun god El-Gabal, of whom Elagabalus was the high priest at Emesa (modern Homs) in Syria. Syria is significant in
the history of Christianity; Paul was converted on the Road to Damascus and established the first organized Christian Church at
Antioch in ancient Syria, from which he left on many of his missionary journeys. In 616 Syria was subjugated for a brief period by
the Persian Khosrau II; from 622 till 628 it was again Byzantine; 636 and the immediately following years saw its conquest by the
Muslims (see Battle of Yarmuk). Muawiya I, the first Omayyad caliph, chose Damascus for his residence. During the struggles of
the Islamic dynasties for the possession of Syria the country still enjoyed a considerable degree of prosperity. In 750, it came under
Abbasid dominion, losing prominence due to the move of Abbasid capital to Baghdad. From 960 to c. 1020 the Byzantine Empire
launched a string of successful counter-attacks, capturing Antioch, Tarsus and Aleppo (twice). Under John Tzimiskes Syria was
completely overrun; Damascus itself, the former capital of the Islamic world was captured, although only for a brief period. The
invasion of Seljuk Turks in the latter half of the 11th century put an end to Byzantine Syria. Nonetheless the majority of the
Population remained Christian, allowing for a significant pool of Turcopoles to be raised in the Crusader armies. In the 12th century,
Syria was conquered by the Fatimids, and became the center of anti-crusader activity, especially for Zengi, Nur-ed din and his
successor and rival, Saladin. Even so, sections of the coastline of Syria were briefly held by Frankish crusader states. In the 13th
century, the first Mongols arrived, destroying cities and irrigation works. By the end of the 15th century, the discovery of a sea route
from Europe to the Far East ended the need for an overland trade route through Syria. Shattered by the Mongols, Syria was part of
the Ottoman Empire from the 16th through 20th centuries, and found itself largely apart from, and ignored by, world affairs. After
World War I, the Ottoman Empire was dissolved, and in 1922 the League of Nations split the dominion of the former Syria
between two countries: the United Kingdom received Transjordan and Palestine, and France received what was to become
modern-day Syria and Lebanon. In 1920, an independent Arab Kingdom of Syria was established under King Faisal of the
Hashemite family, who later became the King of Iraq. However, his rule over Syria ended after only a few months, following the
clash between his Syrian Arab forces and regular French forces at the Battle of Maysalun. French troops occupied Syria later that
year after the League of Nations put Syria under French mandate. In 1925, Syrian resistance to French colonial rule broke out in
full scale revolt. Syria and France negotiated a treaty of independence in September of 1936, and Hashim al-Atassi, who was Prime
Minister under King Faisal's brief reign, was the first president to be elected under a new constitution, effectively the first incarnation
of the modern republic of Syria. However, France reneged on the treaty and refused to ratify it. With the fall of France in 1940
during World War II, Syria came under the control of the Vichy Government until the British and Free French occupied the country
in July 1941. Syria proclaimed its independence again in 1941 but it wasn't until January 1, 1944 that it was recognized as an
independent republic. On February 26 1945 Syria declared war on Germany and Japan. Although rapid economic development
followed the declaration of independence, Syrian politics from independence through the late 1960s was marked by upheaval. In
1949, Syria's national government was overthrown by a military coup d'etat led by Hussni al-Zaim. Later that year Zaim was
overthrown by his colleague Sami al-Hinnawi. Few months later, Hinnawi was overthrown by Colonel Adib al-Sheeshakli. The
latter continued to rule the country until 1954, when growing public opposition forced him to resign and leave the country. In
November 1956 Syria signed a pact with the Soviet Union, providing a foothold for Communist influence within the government in
exchange for planes, tanks, and other military equipment being sent to Syria. Syria's political instability during the years after the
1954 coup, the parallelism of Syrian and Egyptian policies, and the appeal of Egyptian President Gamal Abdal Nasser's leadership
in the wake of the Suez crisis created support in Syria for union with Egypt. On February 1, 1958, Syrian president Shukri
al-Kuwatli and Nasser announced the merging of the two countries, creating the United Arab Republic, and all Syrian political
parties, as well as the Communists therein, ceased overt activities. The union was not a success, however. Following a military coup
on September 28, 1961, Syria seceded, reestablishing itself as the Syrian Arab Republic. In Junewar 1967 Syria opened an attack
on Israel and shelled Israeli villages from the Golan, and Israel invaded , captured and occupied the Golan. Syria and captured and
occupied the Golan . This invasion weakened the radical socialist regime established by the 1966 coup. Conflict developed between
an extremist military wing and a more moderate civilian wing of the Baath Party. The 1970 retreat of Syrian forces sent to aid the
PLO during the "Black September" hostilities with Jordan reflected this political disagreement within the ruling Baath leadership. On
November 13, 1970, Minister of Defense Hafiz al-Asad effected a bloodless military coup, ousting the civilian party leadership and
assuming the role of President. Hafiz al-Assad died on June 10, 2000, after 30 years in power. Immediately following al-Assad's
death, the Parliament amended the constitution, reducing the mandatory minimum age of the President from 40 to 34, which allowed
his son, Bashar al-Assad, to become legally eligible for nomination by the ruling Baath party. On July 10, 2000, Bashar al-Assad
was elected President. On October 5, 2003, Israel bombed a site near Damascus, claiming it was a terrorist training facility for
members of Islamic Jihad. The raid was in retaliation for the bombing of a restaurant in the Israeli town of Haifa that killed 19.
Islamic Jihad said the camp was not in use; Syria said the attack was on a civilian area. The United States Congress passed the
Syria Accountability Act in 2003, with the goal of ending what the U.S. sees as Syrian involvement in Lebanon, Iraq, terrorism, and
weapons of mass destruction through international sanctions.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Syria
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Syrian economic growth slowed to 1.8% in 2009 as the global economic crisis affected oil prices and the economies of Syria's key
export partners and sources of investment. Damascus has implemented modest economic reforms in the past few years, including
cutting lending interest rates, opening private banks, consolidating all of the multiple exchange rates, raising prices on some
subsidized items, most notably gasoline and cement, and establishing the Damascus Stock Exchange - which was set to begin
operations in 2009. In addition, President ASAD signed legislative decrees to encourage corporate ownership reform, and to allow
the Central Bank to issue Treasury bills and bonds for government debt. Nevertheless, the economy remains highly controlled by
the government. Long-run economic constraints include declining oil production, high unemployment, rising budget deficits, and
increasing pressure on water supplies caused by heavy use in agriculture, rapid population growth, industrial expansion, and water
pollution.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Syria)
export partners and sources of investment. Damascus has implemented modest economic reforms in the past few years, including
cutting lending interest rates, opening private banks, consolidating all of the multiple exchange rates, raising prices on some
subsidized items, most notably gasoline and cement, and establishing the Damascus Stock Exchange - which was set to begin
operations in 2009. In addition, President ASAD signed legislative decrees to encourage corporate ownership reform, and to allow
the Central Bank to issue Treasury bills and bonds for government debt. Nevertheless, the economy remains highly controlled by
the government. Long-run economic constraints include declining oil production, high unemployment, rising budget deficits, and
increasing pressure on water supplies caused by heavy use in agriculture, rapid population growth, industrial expansion, and water
pollution.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Syria)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The Asad regime (little has changed since Bashar al-Asad succeeded his father) has held power for a long time, second in the Arab
world after Muammar al-Qaddafi's 36 year dictatorship. Asad's regime's survival is due partly to a strong desire for stability and the
regime's success in giving groups such as religious minorities and peasant farmers a stake in society. The expansion of the
government bureaucracy has also created a large class loyal to the regime. The President's continuing strength is due also to the
army's continued loyalty and the effectiveness of Syria's large internal security apparatus, the top leaderships of which are comprised
largely of members of Asad's own Alawi sect. The several main branches of the security services operate independently of each
other and outside the legal system. Each continues to be responsible for human rights violations.
There was a surge of interest in political reform after Bashar al-Asad assumed power in 2000. Human rights activists and other civil
society advocates, as well as some Parliamentarians, became more outspoken during a period referred to as "Damascus Spring"
(July 2000-February 2001). Asad also made a series of appointments of reform-minded advisors to formal and less formal
positions, and included a number of similarly oriented individuals in his Cabinet. The arrest and long-term detention of two reformist
Parliamentarians, Ma’mun al-Humsy and Riad Seif, in August and September 2001, respectively, and the apparent marginalizing of
some of the reformist advisors in the past four years, indicate that the pace of any political reform in Syria is likely to be much
slower than the short-lived Damascus Spring promised.
The Ba'ath Party dominates the Legislature, which is known as the People's Council. Elected every 4 years, the Council has no
independent authority. Although legislators may criticize policies and modify draft laws, they cannot initiate laws, and the executive
branch retains ultimate control over the legislative process. During 2002, two independent members of Legislature who had
advocated political reforms were stripped of their parliamentary immunity and tried and convicted of charges of "attempting to
illegally change the constitution." The government has allowed independent non-NPF candidates to run for a limited allotment of
seats in the 250-member People's Council. The current allotment of non-NPF deputies is 83, ensuring a permanent absolute
majority for the Ba'ath Party-dominated NPF. Elections for the 250 seats in the People's Council last took place in 2007.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Syria
world after Muammar al-Qaddafi's 36 year dictatorship. Asad's regime's survival is due partly to a strong desire for stability and the
regime's success in giving groups such as religious minorities and peasant farmers a stake in society. The expansion of the
government bureaucracy has also created a large class loyal to the regime. The President's continuing strength is due also to the
army's continued loyalty and the effectiveness of Syria's large internal security apparatus, the top leaderships of which are comprised
largely of members of Asad's own Alawi sect. The several main branches of the security services operate independently of each
other and outside the legal system. Each continues to be responsible for human rights violations.
There was a surge of interest in political reform after Bashar al-Asad assumed power in 2000. Human rights activists and other civil
society advocates, as well as some Parliamentarians, became more outspoken during a period referred to as "Damascus Spring"
(July 2000-February 2001). Asad also made a series of appointments of reform-minded advisors to formal and less formal
positions, and included a number of similarly oriented individuals in his Cabinet. The arrest and long-term detention of two reformist
Parliamentarians, Ma’mun al-Humsy and Riad Seif, in August and September 2001, respectively, and the apparent marginalizing of
some of the reformist advisors in the past four years, indicate that the pace of any political reform in Syria is likely to be much
slower than the short-lived Damascus Spring promised.
The Ba'ath Party dominates the Legislature, which is known as the People's Council. Elected every 4 years, the Council has no
independent authority. Although legislators may criticize policies and modify draft laws, they cannot initiate laws, and the executive
branch retains ultimate control over the legislative process. During 2002, two independent members of Legislature who had
advocated political reforms were stripped of their parliamentary immunity and tried and convicted of charges of "attempting to
illegally change the constitution." The government has allowed independent non-NPF candidates to run for a limited allotment of
seats in the 250-member People's Council. The current allotment of non-NPF deputies is 83, ensuring a permanent absolute
majority for the Ba'ath Party-dominated NPF. Elections for the 250 seats in the People's Council last took place in 2007.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Syria
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Golan Heights is Israeli-occupied with the almost 1,000-strong UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) patrolling a buffer
zone since 1964; lacking a treaty or other documentation describing the boundary, portions of the Lebanon-Syria boundary are
unclear with several sections in dispute; since 2000, Lebanon has claimed Shab'a Farms in the Golan Heights; 2004 Agreement and
pending demarcation settles border dispute with Jordan; approximately two million Iraqis have fled the conflict in Iraq with the
majority taking refuge in Syria and Jordan
zone since 1964; lacking a treaty or other documentation describing the boundary, portions of the Lebanon-Syria boundary are
unclear with several sections in dispute; since 2000, Lebanon has claimed Shab'a Farms in the Golan Heights; 2004 Agreement and
pending demarcation settles border dispute with Jordan; approximately two million Iraqis have fled the conflict in Iraq with the
majority taking refuge in Syria and Jordan
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
Refugees (country of origin): 1-1.4 million (Iraq); 522,100 (Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA))
IDPs: 305,000 (most displaced from Golan Heights during 1967 Arab-Israeli War) (2007)
IDPs: 305,000 (most displaced from Golan Heights during 1967 Arab-Israeli War) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
A transit point for opiates, hashish, and cocaine bound for regional and Western markets; weak anti-money-laundering controls
and bank privatization may leave it vulnerable to money laundering
and bank privatization may leave it vulnerable to money laundering
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Syria
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Syria, with a population of approximately 20 million, is a republic under the authoritarian presidential regime of Bashar al-Asad. The
president makes key decisions with counsel from a small circle of security advisors, ministers, and senior members of the ruling Ba'ath
(Arab Socialist Renaissance) Party. The constitution mandates the primacy of Ba'ath party leaders in state institutions and society.
President al-Asad and party leaders, supported by security services, dominated all three branches of government. In 2007 President al-
Asad was confirmed for another seven-year term in a "yes or no" referendum that local and international human rights advocates
considered neither free nor fair. Civilian authorities maintained effective control of the security forces.
During the year the government and members of the security forces committed numerous serious human rights abuses, and the human
rights situation worsened.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Syria, with a population of approximately 20 million, is a republic under the authoritarian presidential regime of Bashar al-Asad. The
president makes key decisions with counsel from a small circle of security advisors, ministers, and senior members of the ruling Ba'ath
(Arab Socialist Renaissance) Party. The constitution mandates the primacy of Ba'ath party leaders in state institutions and society.
President al-Asad and party leaders, supported by security services, dominated all three branches of government. In 2007 President al-
Asad was confirmed for another seven-year term in a "yes or no" referendum that local and international human rights advocates
considered neither free nor fair. Civilian authorities maintained effective control of the security forces.
During the year the government and members of the security forces committed numerous serious human rights abuses, and the human
rights situation worsened.
- The government systematically repressed citizens' abilities to change their government.
- In a climate of impunity, there were instances of arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of life.
- Members of the security forces tortured and physically abused prisoners and detainees.
- Security forces arrested and detained individuals--including activists, organizers, and other regime critics--without due process.
- Lengthy pretrial and incommunicado detention remained a serious problem.
- During the year the government sentenced to prison several high-profile members of the human rights and civil society
communities. - The government violated citizens' privacy rights and imposed significant restrictions on freedoms of speech, press, assembly,
association, and travel. - An atmosphere of corruption pervaded the government.
- Violence and societal discrimination against women continued, as did sexual exploitation, increasingly aimed at Iraqi refugees,
including minors. - The government discriminated against minorities, particularly Kurds and Ahvazis, and severely restricted workers' rights.
Committee against Torture
Forty-fourth session
26 April – 14 May 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 19 of the convention
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the initial report of Syria, which, while generally following the Committee’s guidelines
for reporting, lacks statistical and practical information on the implementation of the provisions of the Convention and relevant domestic
legislation. However, the Committee regrets that the report was submitted 5 years late which prevented the Committee from conducting
an analysis of the implementation of the Convention in the State party following its ratification in 2004.
3. The Committee welcomes the high-level delegation from the State party and the opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue
covering areas of mutual concern under the Convention.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes that the State party has ratified or acceeded to the following international instruments:
(a) International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (21 April 1969);
(b) International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (21 April 1969);
(c) International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (21 April 1969);
C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
Definition of torture
5. While noting that article 28 in the Constitution prohibits torture, the Committee notes with concern the absence of a definition of
torture in accordance with article 1 of the Convention in the national legal system of the State party which seriously hampers the
implementation of the Convention in the State party (art.1).
The State party should amend its legislation to adopt a definition of torture in full conformity with article 1 of the Convention that would
encompass all elements of this definition. By naming and defining the offence of torture in accordance with articles 1 and 4 of the
Convention and making it distinct from other crimes, the Committee considers that States parties will directly advance the Convention’s
overarching aim of preventing torture, inter alia, by alerting everyone, including perpetrators, victims, and the public, to the special
gravity of the crime of torture and by improving the deterrent effect of the prohibition itself.
Click here to read more »
Forty-fourth session
26 April – 14 May 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 19 of the convention
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the initial report of Syria, which, while generally following the Committee’s guidelines
for reporting, lacks statistical and practical information on the implementation of the provisions of the Convention and relevant domestic
legislation. However, the Committee regrets that the report was submitted 5 years late which prevented the Committee from conducting
an analysis of the implementation of the Convention in the State party following its ratification in 2004.
3. The Committee welcomes the high-level delegation from the State party and the opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue
covering areas of mutual concern under the Convention.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes that the State party has ratified or acceeded to the following international instruments:
(a) International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (21 April 1969);
(b) International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (21 April 1969);
(c) International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (21 April 1969);
C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
Definition of torture
5. While noting that article 28 in the Constitution prohibits torture, the Committee notes with concern the absence of a definition of
torture in accordance with article 1 of the Convention in the national legal system of the State party which seriously hampers the
implementation of the Convention in the State party (art.1).
The State party should amend its legislation to adopt a definition of torture in full conformity with article 1 of the Convention that would
encompass all elements of this definition. By naming and defining the offence of torture in accordance with articles 1 and 4 of the
Convention and making it distinct from other crimes, the Committee considers that States parties will directly advance the Convention’s
overarching aim of preventing torture, inter alia, by alerting everyone, including perpetrators, victims, and the public, to the special
gravity of the crime of torture and by improving the deterrent effect of the prohibition itself.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 7
Civil Liberties Score: 6
Status: Not Free
Overview
Freedoms of expression, association, and assembly remained tightly restricted throughout 2009, especially with regard to certain groups,
such as the Kurdish minority. Syria’s opposition in exile split during the year, ending an uneasy alliance between secularists and
Islamists. On the international front, Syria and Lebanon exchanged ambassadors, and although the United States announced that it would
send an ambassador to Damascus, none had been named by year’s end.
In 2007, al-Assad won another term as president with 97.6 percent of the vote. In results that were similarly preordained by the electoral
framework, the ruling Baath-dominated coalition won the majority of seats in that year’s parliamentary and municipal polls. Meanwhile,
supporters of the DDDNC formed governing bodies for their alliance and renewed their activities, prompting a government crackdown
that extended into 2008.
In 2009, the NSF fell apart, largely because the Muslim Brotherhood, in deference to the Syrian government’s support for the Palestinian
militant group Hamas, suspended its opposition activities in the aftermath of Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip in January. One
prominent secular NSF member, Bashar al-Sha’i, quit the opposition in April and returned to Syria after publicly apologizing to the
government in July, and another DDDNC member, Michel Kilo, was released from prison at the end of his three-year sentence in May.
Other leading human rights figures within Syria were jailed or faced new charges of “weakening national morale” or “spreading false
information” during the year. Separately, al-Assad reshuffled his government in April, replacing five ministers and creating an
environment ministry.
Syria’s diplomatic isolation eased somewhat in 2009. High-ranking officials from the United States met with Syrian leaders for the first
time since 2005, Washington pledged to return an ambassador to Damascus, and Saudi Arabian diplomats held talks with Syrian
officials. However, the U.S. ambassador had not been named by year’s end, the United States renewed existing sanctions on Syria, and
progress on an Association Agreement with the European Union stalled.
Syria is not an electoral democracy. Under the 1973 constitution, the president is nominated by the ruling Baath Party and approved by
popular referendum for seven-year terms. In practice, these referendums are orchestrated by the regime, as are elections for the 250-
seat, unicameral People’s Council, whose members serve four-year terms and hold little independent legislative power. Almost all power
rests in the executive branch.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 7
Civil Liberties Score: 6
Status: Not Free
Overview
Freedoms of expression, association, and assembly remained tightly restricted throughout 2009, especially with regard to certain groups,
such as the Kurdish minority. Syria’s opposition in exile split during the year, ending an uneasy alliance between secularists and
Islamists. On the international front, Syria and Lebanon exchanged ambassadors, and although the United States announced that it would
send an ambassador to Damascus, none had been named by year’s end.
In 2007, al-Assad won another term as president with 97.6 percent of the vote. In results that were similarly preordained by the electoral
framework, the ruling Baath-dominated coalition won the majority of seats in that year’s parliamentary and municipal polls. Meanwhile,
supporters of the DDDNC formed governing bodies for their alliance and renewed their activities, prompting a government crackdown
that extended into 2008.
In 2009, the NSF fell apart, largely because the Muslim Brotherhood, in deference to the Syrian government’s support for the Palestinian
militant group Hamas, suspended its opposition activities in the aftermath of Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip in January. One
prominent secular NSF member, Bashar al-Sha’i, quit the opposition in April and returned to Syria after publicly apologizing to the
government in July, and another DDDNC member, Michel Kilo, was released from prison at the end of his three-year sentence in May.
Other leading human rights figures within Syria were jailed or faced new charges of “weakening national morale” or “spreading false
information” during the year. Separately, al-Assad reshuffled his government in April, replacing five ministers and creating an
environment ministry.
Syria’s diplomatic isolation eased somewhat in 2009. High-ranking officials from the United States met with Syrian leaders for the first
time since 2005, Washington pledged to return an ambassador to Damascus, and Saudi Arabian diplomats held talks with Syrian
officials. However, the U.S. ambassador had not been named by year’s end, the United States renewed existing sanctions on Syria, and
progress on an Association Agreement with the European Union stalled.
Syria is not an electoral democracy. Under the 1973 constitution, the president is nominated by the ruling Baath Party and approved by
popular referendum for seven-year terms. In practice, these referendums are orchestrated by the regime, as are elections for the 250-
seat, unicameral People’s Council, whose members serve four-year terms and hold little independent legislative power. Almost all power
rests in the executive branch.
Click here to read more »
Syria: Syrian writer brought to trial: Raghdah Sa’id Hassan
19 November 2010
URGENT ACTION
Raghdah Sa’id Hassan, a 39-year-old female Syrian writer arrested in February 2010, is now being brought to trial. Amnesty
International has now seen the charges against her, which show that she is being targeted for researching human rights, corruption and
democracy in Syria.
Following her arrest in February 2010, Raghdah Hassan was held incommunicado for the first 10 days after her arrest in the Political
Security branch in Tartous, a city on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, where she alleges she was slapped on the face by a senior officer,
causing her to fall to the floor with a bleeding nose and mouth. The officer also intimidated her by threatening to beat her with a chair.
As far as Amnesty International is aware, Raghdah Hassan's allegations that she was beaten and intimidated have not been investigated.
Raghdah Hassan saw her family for the first time on 10 April, after she was taken before the General Military Prosecutor in Homs, north
of Damascus, and charged with “weakening national sentiments” and "broadcasting false or exaggerated news which could affect the
morale of the country". These two charges are often used against peaceful government critics. If convicted, she is expected to face a
sentence of up to three years in prison.
Amnesty International has now seen official documentation of the Homs Military Prosecutor. This shows that the charges relate to a
survey that Raghdah Hassan is alleged to have carried out on human rights, corruption and democracy in Syria. On the basis of this new
information, it appears clear that Raghdah Hassan is a prisoner of conscience, detained and being prosecuted solely for the legitimate
exercise of her right to freedom of expression.
She is currently held in Douma Women prison, near Damascus, in an overcrowded room with other female prisoners who face charges
of a non-political nature. Raghda Hassan is able to meet her family weekly, from behind bars and in the presence of a prison guard. She
reportedly suffers from kidney stones, causing her great pain, but has experienced difficulties in obtaining her medication in a timely
manner from the prison authorities. She has not been taken to hospital for specialist medical assessment.
Additional Information
Raghdah Hassan was arrested on 10 February while travelling by car to Lebanon, where she was due to visit critics of the Syrian
government who have previously fled from Syria to escape arrest or persecution. She intended to arrange for the publication of her first
novel, entitled The New Prophets, a love story involving two political prisoners which describes conditions for political prisoners in Syria
in the 1990s. Three days after her arrest, Raghdah Hassan’s flat was ransacked possibly be Syrian security officials, when her novel and
other publications of Syrian opposition groups were removed.
Click here to read more »
19 November 2010
URGENT ACTION
Raghdah Sa’id Hassan, a 39-year-old female Syrian writer arrested in February 2010, is now being brought to trial. Amnesty
International has now seen the charges against her, which show that she is being targeted for researching human rights, corruption and
democracy in Syria.
Following her arrest in February 2010, Raghdah Hassan was held incommunicado for the first 10 days after her arrest in the Political
Security branch in Tartous, a city on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, where she alleges she was slapped on the face by a senior officer,
causing her to fall to the floor with a bleeding nose and mouth. The officer also intimidated her by threatening to beat her with a chair.
As far as Amnesty International is aware, Raghdah Hassan's allegations that she was beaten and intimidated have not been investigated.
Raghdah Hassan saw her family for the first time on 10 April, after she was taken before the General Military Prosecutor in Homs, north
of Damascus, and charged with “weakening national sentiments” and "broadcasting false or exaggerated news which could affect the
morale of the country". These two charges are often used against peaceful government critics. If convicted, she is expected to face a
sentence of up to three years in prison.
Amnesty International has now seen official documentation of the Homs Military Prosecutor. This shows that the charges relate to a
survey that Raghdah Hassan is alleged to have carried out on human rights, corruption and democracy in Syria. On the basis of this new
information, it appears clear that Raghdah Hassan is a prisoner of conscience, detained and being prosecuted solely for the legitimate
exercise of her right to freedom of expression.
She is currently held in Douma Women prison, near Damascus, in an overcrowded room with other female prisoners who face charges
of a non-political nature. Raghda Hassan is able to meet her family weekly, from behind bars and in the presence of a prison guard. She
reportedly suffers from kidney stones, causing her great pain, but has experienced difficulties in obtaining her medication in a timely
manner from the prison authorities. She has not been taken to hospital for specialist medical assessment.
Additional Information
Raghdah Hassan was arrested on 10 February while travelling by car to Lebanon, where she was due to visit critics of the Syrian
government who have previously fled from Syria to escape arrest or persecution. She intended to arrange for the publication of her first
novel, entitled The New Prophets, a love story involving two political prisoners which describes conditions for political prisoners in Syria
in the 1990s. Three days after her arrest, Raghdah Hassan’s flat was ransacked possibly be Syrian security officials, when her novel and
other publications of Syrian opposition groups were removed.
Click here to read more »
Syria: Free Activist Who Criticized Iran
After 3 Years in Prison, Ali al-Abdullah Facing New Military Court Trial
December 17, 2010
(New York) - Syrian authorities should not prosecute a political activist for statements criticizing Iran's 2009 presidential election and
should release him immediately, Human Rights Watch said today. Such a prosecution would appear to be a violation of his right to freely
engage in peaceful political comment. December 17, 2010, is the third anniversary of the detention of the activist, Ali Al-`Abdallah, for
attending a peaceful political meeting
Al-`Abdallah, a member of the Damascus Declaration opposition group, finished a 30-month sentence on June 17. Instead of releasing
him, prison authorities referred him to a military court for his statement to a news agency from his prison cell criticizing human rights
violations during Iran's 2009 presidential election and for an article he wrote critiquing Iran's wilayat al-faqih doctrine, which grants
absolute political authority to a religious figure.
"This is a new low for a government known for its complete intolerance of criticism," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at
Human Rights Watch. "Syria's authorities are no longer satisfied with jailing peaceful critics of their own policies. Now they want to
punish people for what they say about another government."
On September 19, a military investigative judge charged al-`Abdullah with "spoil[ing] Syria's relations with another country" under article
278 of the Penal Code. A military court confirmed the charge on December 1, responding to an appeal by his lawyers. No date has been
set for the trial.
State Security officials initially detained him on December 17, 2007, after he and others associated with the Damascus Declaration, a
gathering of numerous opposition groups and activists calling for democratic reforms, met to elect a new executive committee. A
Damascus Criminal Court sentenced him, along with 11 other activists, to 30-month sentences on vaguely defined charges of
"weakening national sentiment" and "spreading false or exaggerated news that would affect the morale of the country."
The other Damascus Declaration detainees were released at the end of their prison terms in June, but officials of Political Security, one
of Syria's security services, referred al-`Abdallah to the military prosecutor. Al-`Abdallah, a writer and journalist, had already served three
earlier prison terms for his peaceful activism.
Click here to read more »
After 3 Years in Prison, Ali al-Abdullah Facing New Military Court Trial
December 17, 2010
(New York) - Syrian authorities should not prosecute a political activist for statements criticizing Iran's 2009 presidential election and
should release him immediately, Human Rights Watch said today. Such a prosecution would appear to be a violation of his right to freely
engage in peaceful political comment. December 17, 2010, is the third anniversary of the detention of the activist, Ali Al-`Abdallah, for
attending a peaceful political meeting
Al-`Abdallah, a member of the Damascus Declaration opposition group, finished a 30-month sentence on June 17. Instead of releasing
him, prison authorities referred him to a military court for his statement to a news agency from his prison cell criticizing human rights
violations during Iran's 2009 presidential election and for an article he wrote critiquing Iran's wilayat al-faqih doctrine, which grants
absolute political authority to a religious figure.
"This is a new low for a government known for its complete intolerance of criticism," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at
Human Rights Watch. "Syria's authorities are no longer satisfied with jailing peaceful critics of their own policies. Now they want to
punish people for what they say about another government."
On September 19, a military investigative judge charged al-`Abdullah with "spoil[ing] Syria's relations with another country" under article
278 of the Penal Code. A military court confirmed the charge on December 1, responding to an appeal by his lawyers. No date has been
set for the trial.
State Security officials initially detained him on December 17, 2007, after he and others associated with the Damascus Declaration, a
gathering of numerous opposition groups and activists calling for democratic reforms, met to elect a new executive committee. A
Damascus Criminal Court sentenced him, along with 11 other activists, to 30-month sentences on vaguely defined charges of
"weakening national sentiment" and "spreading false or exaggerated news that would affect the morale of the country."
The other Damascus Declaration detainees were released at the end of their prison terms in June, but officials of Political Security, one
of Syria's security services, referred al-`Abdallah to the military prosecutor. Al-`Abdallah, a writer and journalist, had already served three
earlier prison terms for his peaceful activism.
Click here to read more »
Syria's Permanent Representative at the UN: Commissioner Pillay's Statement on Human Rights in Arab Countries Ignores
Israel's Brutal Practices in the Occupied Arab Lands
Sep 15, 2010
Geneva, (SANA) – The Permanente Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic's Mission at the United Nations Faysal al-Hamoui
denounced on Monday the statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay for not touching on the brutal Israeli
violations in the occupied Arab lands including the occupied Syrian Golan.
In a statement on behalf of the Arab Group at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during the 15th session of the UNHRC meeting,
al-Hamoui affirmed that Arab countries are committed to human rights issue and dealing with them seriously.
He said that the Arab Group, which he chairs, is surprised about the Commissioner's statement that expressed discomfort over limiting
the freedom of civil society in some countries including Arab countries through new laws and legislations, saying that the Group wishes
to know the source of the information that the Commissioner based her accusations on and that the Group has no knowledge of any
such laws and legislations.
Al-Hamoui affirmed that Arab countries are working to confront the repercussions of the global financial crisis and prevent them from
affecting their peoples' economic rights, and that they are also committed to bolstering and developing human rights and basic freedoms
in general, including civil liberties, in a manner that conforms to their international obligations and agrees with their societies' cultural and
religious characteristics.
He called for accentuating the positive developments achieved by Arab countries rather touching upon them negatively, saying that
Commissioner Pillay should have pointed out frankly and realistically to the methodical and brutal violations carried out by the Israeli
occupation authorities against the people of the occupied Palestinian territories and the occupied Syrian Golan.
Al-Hamoui stressed that Arab countries are prepared to cooperate with the Commissioner to develop and bolster all human rights across
the world during her term in a manner that preserves the cultural and religious characteristics of Arab societies and remains distant from
politicizing and double standards, particularly during these times which are witnessing a growth in extremism, racism and Islamophobia
in several societies that the Commissioner mentioned casually in her statement.
Click here to read more »
Israel's Brutal Practices in the Occupied Arab Lands
Sep 15, 2010
Geneva, (SANA) – The Permanente Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic's Mission at the United Nations Faysal al-Hamoui
denounced on Monday the statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay for not touching on the brutal Israeli
violations in the occupied Arab lands including the occupied Syrian Golan.
In a statement on behalf of the Arab Group at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during the 15th session of the UNHRC meeting,
al-Hamoui affirmed that Arab countries are committed to human rights issue and dealing with them seriously.
He said that the Arab Group, which he chairs, is surprised about the Commissioner's statement that expressed discomfort over limiting
the freedom of civil society in some countries including Arab countries through new laws and legislations, saying that the Group wishes
to know the source of the information that the Commissioner based her accusations on and that the Group has no knowledge of any
such laws and legislations.
Al-Hamoui affirmed that Arab countries are working to confront the repercussions of the global financial crisis and prevent them from
affecting their peoples' economic rights, and that they are also committed to bolstering and developing human rights and basic freedoms
in general, including civil liberties, in a manner that conforms to their international obligations and agrees with their societies' cultural and
religious characteristics.
He called for accentuating the positive developments achieved by Arab countries rather touching upon them negatively, saying that
Commissioner Pillay should have pointed out frankly and realistically to the methodical and brutal violations carried out by the Israeli
occupation authorities against the people of the occupied Palestinian territories and the occupied Syrian Golan.
Al-Hamoui stressed that Arab countries are prepared to cooperate with the Commissioner to develop and bolster all human rights across
the world during her term in a manner that preserves the cultural and religious characteristics of Arab societies and remains distant from
politicizing and double standards, particularly during these times which are witnessing a growth in extremism, racism and Islamophobia
in several societies that the Commissioner mentioned casually in her statement.
Click here to read more »
Syrian Human Rights Committee (UK), ‘SHRC Ninth Annual Report on Human Rights in Syria 2010′
16/02/2010
Preface
The Syrian Human Rights Committee has tried to observe some of the fundamental aspects of human rights in Syria, particularly the
human right to live free from arbitrary detention and degrading treatment. However, the Syrian Authority, which has imposed a state of
emergency on the country for the last 47 years unjustifiably, is still suppressing freedoms and choking the freedom of peaceful
expression of opinion in all its forms.
The Syrian Authority has targeted distinctively this year human rights activists and detained two of their prominent figures for no evident
legal crime. It has manipulated its competence to deprive one of them of membership in the Bar Association and intends to severely
punish both of them to deter others and discourage the two activists from defending human rights. Meanwhile it is planning to arrest the
founding members of a third human rights organisation. It has failed to disclose the fate of one of the activists who was detained by it
and whose term of imprisonment has terminated without his being released. The security forces have continued usurping the ordinary
jurisdiction and sentencing some activists through it, while referring others to Exceptional and Military Courts.
The Authority has still been targeting the arbitrary exiles who have been suffering for more than three decades. It has arrested many of
the returnees among them and subjected them to trials in accordance with Law 49/1980, which sentences them to death just because of
blood relationship. Despite the serious efforts of Muslim Brotherhood Movement to find an appropriate means to solve the problems of
the exiled, the missing, the detained and Law 49/1980, the Authority has ignored the Movement’s announcement to suspend its opposing
activities and disregarded all the initiatives and intermediaries to terminate the suffering of tens of thousands of Syrian citizens who are
experiencing horrible situations in exile and Diaspora.
Moreover, the Syrian Authority has launched an aggressive campaign this year against the Kurds. It has arrested hundreds of them on
the pretext of their affiliation to Kurdish parties demanding Kurdish rights of various types. It did not hesitate to arrest and try those
celebrating the Newroz Celebration or those interested in the Kurdish language, culture and arts. The State Security Court sentenced the
Kurdish detainees to severe penalties, accusing them of attempting to detach part of the Syrian territory and annex it to a foreign
country, provoking racial and sectarian tendencies and weakening the national sentiment. There increased the number of the Kurdish
soldiers who were killed in their military units during doing their compulsory military service, either by shooting them or in vague
accidents that arouse the suspicion of their being intentional.
Random and arbitrary arrests continued allegedly because of religious or political affiliation or for expressing points of view. Meanwhile,
Islamists continued to be targeted regardless of their tendencies. It has been noticed that this year a campaign was launched against
those who have a relationship with the Communist Labour Party.
Click here to read more »
16/02/2010
Preface
The Syrian Human Rights Committee has tried to observe some of the fundamental aspects of human rights in Syria, particularly the
human right to live free from arbitrary detention and degrading treatment. However, the Syrian Authority, which has imposed a state of
emergency on the country for the last 47 years unjustifiably, is still suppressing freedoms and choking the freedom of peaceful
expression of opinion in all its forms.
The Syrian Authority has targeted distinctively this year human rights activists and detained two of their prominent figures for no evident
legal crime. It has manipulated its competence to deprive one of them of membership in the Bar Association and intends to severely
punish both of them to deter others and discourage the two activists from defending human rights. Meanwhile it is planning to arrest the
founding members of a third human rights organisation. It has failed to disclose the fate of one of the activists who was detained by it
and whose term of imprisonment has terminated without his being released. The security forces have continued usurping the ordinary
jurisdiction and sentencing some activists through it, while referring others to Exceptional and Military Courts.
The Authority has still been targeting the arbitrary exiles who have been suffering for more than three decades. It has arrested many of
the returnees among them and subjected them to trials in accordance with Law 49/1980, which sentences them to death just because of
blood relationship. Despite the serious efforts of Muslim Brotherhood Movement to find an appropriate means to solve the problems of
the exiled, the missing, the detained and Law 49/1980, the Authority has ignored the Movement’s announcement to suspend its opposing
activities and disregarded all the initiatives and intermediaries to terminate the suffering of tens of thousands of Syrian citizens who are
experiencing horrible situations in exile and Diaspora.
Moreover, the Syrian Authority has launched an aggressive campaign this year against the Kurds. It has arrested hundreds of them on
the pretext of their affiliation to Kurdish parties demanding Kurdish rights of various types. It did not hesitate to arrest and try those
celebrating the Newroz Celebration or those interested in the Kurdish language, culture and arts. The State Security Court sentenced the
Kurdish detainees to severe penalties, accusing them of attempting to detach part of the Syrian territory and annex it to a foreign
country, provoking racial and sectarian tendencies and weakening the national sentiment. There increased the number of the Kurdish
soldiers who were killed in their military units during doing their compulsory military service, either by shooting them or in vague
accidents that arouse the suspicion of their being intentional.
Random and arbitrary arrests continued allegedly because of religious or political affiliation or for expressing points of view. Meanwhile,
Islamists continued to be targeted regardless of their tendencies. It has been noticed that this year a campaign was launched against
those who have a relationship with the Communist Labour Party.
Click here to read more »
2010-05-07 (News Headlines)
Several arbitrary arrests in a number of cities
It has been reported by Kurdish Organization for Defending Human Rights and Public Freedoms in Syria – DAD, and Human Rights
Organization in Syria – MAF that the pace of arrests of Kurdish citizens has risen in recent weeks, with numerous arrests in al-Raqqa,
Kobani, Damascus and Qamishli, and some of these arrests have been reported by the families of the detainees.:
Abdullah Nazir Mohammed, born in 1985 in Tel-Ter in Hassakah province, who is a third year philosophy student at Damascus
University was arrested on 2 May 2010 by one of the security agencies in Damascus. His whereabouts are unknown.
Radwan Rashid Osman, called “Bizarre”, born in 1987 in Tel-Abyad, a student in journalism in Damascus University, was arrested on 7
February 2010. He was taken to the military court after being in detention for more than two months. He will stand trial on 9 May 2010.
Bangin Mohammed Amin Antar, aged 21 was arrested after a security forces raid a week ago. He is still unaccounted for.
Radwan Mohamed Sharif was arrested by security forces more than a month and a half ago in an Internet café in city of Qamishli. He is
still unaccounted for.
Many people have been arrested in internet cafes recently, and computers have been confiscated. The owners of these cafés are coming
under increasing pressure.
Click here to read more>>
Several arbitrary arrests in a number of cities
It has been reported by Kurdish Organization for Defending Human Rights and Public Freedoms in Syria – DAD, and Human Rights
Organization in Syria – MAF that the pace of arrests of Kurdish citizens has risen in recent weeks, with numerous arrests in al-Raqqa,
Kobani, Damascus and Qamishli, and some of these arrests have been reported by the families of the detainees.:
Abdullah Nazir Mohammed, born in 1985 in Tel-Ter in Hassakah province, who is a third year philosophy student at Damascus
University was arrested on 2 May 2010 by one of the security agencies in Damascus. His whereabouts are unknown.
Radwan Rashid Osman, called “Bizarre”, born in 1987 in Tel-Abyad, a student in journalism in Damascus University, was arrested on 7
February 2010. He was taken to the military court after being in detention for more than two months. He will stand trial on 9 May 2010.
Bangin Mohammed Amin Antar, aged 21 was arrested after a security forces raid a week ago. He is still unaccounted for.
Radwan Mohamed Sharif was arrested by security forces more than a month and a half ago in an Internet café in city of Qamishli. He is
still unaccounted for.
Many people have been arrested in internet cafes recently, and computers have been confiscated. The owners of these cafés are coming
under increasing pressure.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Bashar al-Asad
President since 17 July 2000
President since 17 July 2000
Farouk al-Shara
Vice President since 11 February 2006
Vice President since 11 February 2006
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
Current situation: Syria is a destination and transit country for women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation
and forced labor; a significant number of women and children in the large and expanding Iraqi refugee community in Syria are
reportedly forced into commercial sexual exploitation by Iraqi gangs or, in some cases, their families; women from Indonesia, Sri
Lanka, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone are recruited for work in Syria as domestic servants, but some face conditions of
involuntary servitude, including long hours, non-payment of wages, withholding of passports, restrictions on movement, threats, and
physical or sexual abuse
Tier rating: Tier 3 - Syria again failed to report any law enforcement efforts to punish trafficking offenses in 2007; in addition, the
government did not offer protection services to victims of trafficking and may have arrested, prosecuted, or deported some victims
for prostitution or immigration violations; Syria has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)
and forced labor; a significant number of women and children in the large and expanding Iraqi refugee community in Syria are
reportedly forced into commercial sexual exploitation by Iraqi gangs or, in some cases, their families; women from Indonesia, Sri
Lanka, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone are recruited for work in Syria as domestic servants, but some face conditions of
involuntary servitude, including long hours, non-payment of wages, withholding of passports, restrictions on movement, threats, and
physical or sexual abuse
Tier rating: Tier 3 - Syria again failed to report any law enforcement efforts to punish trafficking offenses in 2007; in addition, the
government did not offer protection services to victims of trafficking and may have arrested, prosecuted, or deported some victims
for prostitution or immigration violations; Syria has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)
Abdallah al-Dardari
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs
since 14 June 2005
Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs
since 14 June 2005
