Statement Issued by the Kurdish Civil Society on the Launch of Peaceful Demonstrations in the Syrian Coastal Region and Their Suppression with Live Ammunition
Today, in several cities and towns of the Syrian coastal region, widespread peaceful sit-ins and demonstrations took place, during which citizens expressed their legitimate aspirations to build a democratic state based on federalism and political and administrative decentralization, as the true and fair path to ending the prolonged Syrian crisis.
The Kurdish Civil Society, closely following these peaceful popular movements, emphasizes that the demands of the demonstrators represent the core of any sustainable national solution, one that respects ethnic and religious diversity, guarantees equal partnership among all components of the Syrian people, and prevents the return of tyranny in its various forms.
While citizens expressed their demands through peaceful and civilized means, the public was shocked by the Ahmad Al-Shara regime’s response, confronting these movements with live ammunition and direct repression, in a blatant violation of human rights and a flagrant breach of all international laws and norms. This resulted in casualties among unarmed civilians and recalled the oppressive methods Syrians have suffered from for many years.
We, in the Kurdish Civil Society, affirm that peaceful protest is a legitimate right that must not be infringed upon, and that the demand for federalism and decentralization does not imply division, but rather represents the true guarantee for Syria’s unity, the protection of its diversity, and the prevention of the reproduction of tyranny in new forms.
In this context, we emphasize that the shaping of Syria today cannot be based on an extremist mindset or a unilateral vision imposed from Damascus, but must be built upon genuine agreements among its peoples and its ethnic and religious components, on the principles of partnership, justice, and equal citizenship. The demand for a pluralistic decentralized state is a legitimate right for all Syrians and the safest path to preserving the unity and stability of the country.
We also warn that political and field indicators clearly show that the Damascus government continues on the path of repression, spreading fear and threats within Syrian society, especially against anyone not belonging to its ideological framework, which poses a serious danger not only to Syria but also to regional security and stability as a whole.
Accordingly, we hold the responsible authorities fully accountable for the safety of civilians and call on the international community and human rights organizations to fulfill their legal and ethical responsibilities, to stop these violations, and to work seriously toward launching a genuine political process leading to the establishment of a democratic, secure Syrian state, founded on justice, equality, and respect for the rights of all its components without exception.
Copies Sent To:
The Committee for the Pursuit of Truth on Crimes in Syria
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva
Media Outlets
Kurdish Civil Society and Partner Organizations:
Geostrategic Organization for Kurdish Civil Society
Kurdish Women’s Association – Austria
German International Organization for Development and Peace
Free Intellectuals Association
Afrin – Syria Human Rights Organization
Syrian Kurdish Gathering in Russia
Rojava Kurdistan Council in France
Association of Kurdish Doctors in Germany
Zozan Folklore Group
Geostrategic Studies Network
Welat News Agency
Today, in several cities and towns of the Syrian coastal region, widespread peaceful sit-ins and demonstrations took place, during which citizens expressed their legitimate aspirations to build a democratic state based on federalism and political and administrative decentralization, as the true and fair path to ending the prolonged Syrian crisis.
The Kurdish Civil Society, closely following these peaceful popular movements, emphasizes that the demands of the demonstrators represent the core of any sustainable national solution, one that respects ethnic and religious diversity, guarantees equal partnership among all components of the Syrian people, and prevents the return of tyranny in its various forms.
While citizens expressed their demands through peaceful and civilized means, the public was shocked by the Ahmad Al-Shara regime’s response, confronting these movements with live ammunition and direct repression, in a blatant violation of human rights and a flagrant breach of all international laws and norms. This resulted in casualties among unarmed civilians and recalled the oppressive methods Syrians have suffered from for many years.
We, in the Kurdish Civil Society, affirm that peaceful protest is a legitimate right that must not be infringed upon, and that the demand for federalism and decentralization does not imply division, but rather represents the true guarantee for Syria’s unity, the protection of its diversity, and the prevention of the reproduction of tyranny in new forms.
In this context, we emphasize that the shaping of Syria today cannot be based on an extremist mindset or a unilateral vision imposed from Damascus, but must be built upon genuine agreements among its peoples and its ethnic and religious components, on the principles of partnership, justice, and equal citizenship. The demand for a pluralistic decentralized state is a legitimate right for all Syrians and the safest path to preserving the unity and stability of the country.
We also warn that political and field indicators clearly show that the Damascus government continues on the path of repression, spreading fear and threats within Syrian society, especially against anyone not belonging to its ideological framework, which poses a serious danger not only to Syria but also to regional security and stability as a whole.
Accordingly, we hold the responsible authorities fully accountable for the safety of civilians and call on the international community and human rights organizations to fulfill their legal and ethical responsibilities, to stop these violations, and to work seriously toward launching a genuine political process leading to the establishment of a democratic, secure Syrian state, founded on justice, equality, and respect for the rights of all its components without exception.
Copies Sent To:
The Committee for the Pursuit of Truth on Crimes in Syria
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva
Media Outlets
Kurdish Civil Society and Partner Organizations:
Geostrategic Organization for Kurdish Civil Society
Kurdish Women’s Association – Austria
German International Organization for Development and Peace
Free Intellectuals Association
Afrin – Syria Human Rights Organization
Syrian Kurdish Gathering in Russia
Rojava Kurdistan Council in France
Association of Kurdish Doctors in Germany
Zozan Folklore Group
Geostrategic Studies Network
Welat News Agency
29.12.2025
