Citizenship Movement

Citizenship Movement

A Political and Civil Organization:

The Citizenship Movement is a political and civil organization that is part of the political opposition and revolutionary movement in Syria. It adopts the principle of internal democracy in its broadest forms and maintains organizational flexibility in its operations. The Movement views the establishment of a democratic front as a crucial task in its political work to achieve a state of citizenship in Syria.

Establishment and Introduction of the Citizenship Movement:

The Citizenship Movement consists of a group of activists, democrats, and secularists who advocate for a free, equal, and dignified individual citizen. The Movement began with the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in March 2011 and held its founding conference on April 12 of the same year. The Citizenship Movement works towards a democratic, secular, republican state in Syria, based on the principles of equal citizenship. It pursues liberalism in both political and civil spheres, aiming to create a state of free and equal citizens.

The Citizenship Movement defines itself as a political and civil organization that is part of the political opposition and revolutionary movement in Syria. It adopts the principle of internal democracy in its broadest forms and maintains organizational flexibility in its operations. The Movement views the establishment of a democratic front as a crucial task in its political work to achieve a state of citizenship in Syria.

Tasks and Recommendations of the Citizenship Movement:

Amidst the international struggle against extremist movements and the ongoing debate over Bashar al-Assad’s future, the Citizenship Movement believes that the war in Syria has not ended. Therefore, the Movement outlines the following program as a guiding framework for democratic forces during the struggle for political transition:

  •  Accepting international efforts through the United Nations and the global community, and working with all international institutions, media, and public relations to further expose the regime’s crimes, violations, and its direct and indirect role in fostering terrorism in the region and the world.
  •  Encouraging efforts to establish a national Syrian army nucleus, primarily composed of professional officers who were removed from the battlefield and wish to serve as military personnel again.
  •  Continuing efforts to unify the work of opposing political forces to collaborate, or at least coordinate, within any possible frameworks to support the political transition in Syria.

  •  Immediately working to form the broadest democratic front possible, comprising all political forces, personalities, and existing alliances that support a democratic, pluralistic Syria and reject any form of religious or authoritarian state. Efforts should be made to expand meetings, participate in gatherings, and welcome all serious and realistic initiatives aimed at uniting Syrian democratic forces.

  •  Expanding the media platforms of democratic forces by contributing to the dissemination of documents and materials that promote democratic-nationalist ideas and also contribute to fighting tyranny, both authoritarian and Islamist.
  • Striving to create a modern discourse that reaches the Syrian people and the international community, conveying the rightful message of Syrians to establish a state of equal citizenship for all Syrians.
  • Recognizing Islam as an important social culture for the region’s peoples while distinguishing it from political Islam, which seeks to establish any form of Islamic state in Syria, and opposing such political Islam on this basis.
  • Advocating for a state that separates religion from its governing political framework, such as the constitution and general laws, while treating all religions as cultural and social components protected by law.

  • Giving importance to the Kurdish issue in Syria by rejecting chauvinistic thought, accepting the right to self-determination for the Kurdish people, and encouraging alternative concepts such as “federalism” and “political decentralization.” It should be emphasized that the concept of a state of citizenship does not automatically resolve the Kurdish issue in Syria.

Political Vision of the Citizenship Movement:

The political vision of the Citizenship Movement is summarized in several key points:

1. The overthrow of the political authority in Syria is a political, historical, and moral necessity, and it is the essential pathway for any meaningful change.

2. The bearer and instrument of this mission is the uprising people from all classes and social strata, especially the younger generations.

3. The primary form of struggle is ongoing demonstrations and other possible forms of civil disobedience.

4. Other forms, means, and possibilities can take their place as needed, determined by the practical context and historical circumstances that surround the uprising.

Interaction of the Citizenship Movement with Other Members of the Syrian Democratic Alliance:

Like other components of the Alliance, the Citizenship Movement actively interacts with and supports the goals of the Syrian Democratic Alliance. Its members and affiliates engage in meaningful relationships and collaborations with various offices, committees, and work teams within the Alliance.

Main Challenges Faced by the Movement:

The Citizenship Movement, like other political entities, faces challenges related to its structure and operations. These include slow organizational expansion, weak youth participation, and resource shortages. Additionally, there is a lack of coordination with other Syrian political forces. The Movement is working to improve political relationships and development through ongoing communication.

Future Plans for the Citizenship Movement:

The future plans of the Citizenship Movement aim to achieve its goals using available means and tools, including high-level interaction and participation with various activities within the Syrian Democratic Alliance, increasing involvement in peaceful activism, and organizing meetings and seminars both inside the country and on the ground. The Movement also plans to hold political dialogues through the Citizenship Forum and eventually convene the Movement’s eighth general conference.