Madaniya’s Monthly Newsletter

More newsletters

Dear colleagues and representatives of civil society organisations,

We hope you are doing well.

This month, we witnessed together a historic moment in Syria as we turned the page on a dark era of Assad's regime. After fourteen years since the start of the Syrian revolution and the tremendous, sincere efforts made by Syrians, we are finally reclaiming our country and our spaces, taking a new step toward restoring our political agency. Today, we continue our work as civic actors with a spirit of shared responsibility, aiming to be a fundamental part of building a transitional phase that solidifies the values of a state governed by law and citizenship.

At Madaniya, we remain committed to our principles and values, determined to play an active role in the collective effort to shape an inclusive transitional phase. This phase will pave the way to fulfill the aspirations of all Syrians and safeguard their rights without discrimination or exception.

Today, together, we embark on the journey of rebuilding the state we have long dreamed of and struggled for: a state of rights and citizenship. Together, we will move forward steadfastly to protect this state and uphold its values.

Below is our newsletter for December, where we share the latest updates from Madaniya and the Syrian civil space.

With warm regards,
The Madaniya Team

Updates on Madaniya’s Work

Madaniya Board Elections

In the context of the historic moment Syria experienced this month with the fall of the Assad regime, and the fundamental changes to the Syrian reality, the need has emerged to reorder priorities in line with this new phase. In light of these developments, it has been decided to postpone the elections for the Madaniya Board of Directors to ensure that procedures align with the national updates.

The Elections Committee, in agreement with its chair and members, recommended a review of the electoral system, particularly regarding the distribution of districts and seat allocations, to meet the requirements of the current phase. The committee also proposed amendments to both the bylaws and electoral system to align with these changes. It further recommended postponing the elections process to reorganise the regulations and set new timelines and procedures, ensuring effective and productive participation.

Madaniya in Syria

More than two years after its establishment, Madaniya was officially launched from its new headquarters in Beit Farhi, within the historic walls of Damascus. This milestone followed Madaniya's active presence in Damascus, as well as in numerous cities and towns across Syria, thanks to the efforts of its member organisations. The official launch started with a discussion session that brought together civil society organisations working in Syria to explore the political agency of the civic space in the post-Assad era.

During the meeting, we discussed the current political transformations, our aspirations for Syria’s political future, and ways to empower civil society to participate and influence current policies and the political transition process. We also explored how Madaniya’s presence in Syria can support civil society efforts and strengthen its role in building the Syria of the future.

Following the meeting, a press conference was held to announce Madaniya’s presence on the ground in Damascus. During the conference, we reaffirmed reclaiming our country, our spaces, and our political agency. We emphasised our official position that building the next phase must be achieved through a comprehensive political transition process aimed at establishing a unified, independent, and sovereign Syria that embraces its diversity and pluralism. This Syria must be founded on the values of citizenship, democracy, and respect for rights and freedoms.

We also outlined our vision for a Syria that rejects violence and extremism, where women and men play a leading role in public affairs. A Syria open to the world, contributing to its prosperity through diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. A Syria where civil society plays a pivotal role in oversight, accountability, and shaping public policies to ensure a governance system based on transparency and good governance.

We called for a political transition process that establishes a transitional governing body representing all Syrians, free from sectarian quotas, with national and international legitimacy in accordance with UN resolutions. This body should lay the groundwork for democratic governance that includes all Syrians without discrimination. It would operate within a timeline that includes drafting a new constitution and preparing for free and fair elections in a safe and neutral environment, ensuring the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

To read the full press statement, visit the provided link.

Press Statement

To watch highlights from Madaniya’s launch in Damascus, visit the available link.

Video Highlights

Madaniya's Interactions with Ongoing Events

Organising a Meeting Between Syrian Civil Society Organisations and the French Special Envoy to Syria

As part of our efforts to strengthen dialogue and coordinate joint actions on priority issues during this pivotal phase in Syria’s history, Madaniya organised a meeting that brought together a large number of Syrian civic actors, including representatives from member civil organisations, with the French Special Envoy to Syria. The meeting was also attended by representatives from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials responsible for aid and stabilisation files.

The meeting began with an internal dialogue among Syrian participants, who discussed the current phase’s priorities and addressed key issues such as national peace, the economic situation, the detainees' file, the political process, and establishing the frameworks of a citizenship-based state that ensures respect for all Syrians rights.

Later, the session transitioned to a meeting with the French delegation. The French Special Envoy and Foreign Ministry representatives expressed their happiness at resuming their on-the-ground engagement in Syria and the reopening of the French embassy in Damascus. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening close relations with Syrian stakeholders and supporting the role of civil society in building Syria's future.

A dialogue was facilitated between the Syrian participants and the French side, during which the Syrians shared their perspectives on the current stage and their aspirations for the future. Discussions revisited the critical issues of the detainees’ file, national peace, the economic situation, the political process, and the frameworks of a citizenship-based state that promotes equal rights for all Syrians.

Madaniya’s Meeting with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs

Madaniya participated in a meeting with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and several members of the Syria team at the U.S. Department of State. The meeting was attended by members of Madaniya’s Board of Directors, representatives of civil society organisations, and independent civic actors. This meeting was part of a series of engagements that included civil society organisations and political actors.

During the discussion, U.S. State Department representatives reiterated their aspirations to collaborate with Syrians in supporting the building of a stable political future for the country. On their part, civil society representatives emphasised that reaching the current stage is the result of a collective effort by all Syrians, underscoring the need to ensure the inclusion of all segments of Syrian society as active partners in shaping Syria’s political future.

Key topics discussed included the necessity of working through a comprehensive political process that guarantees true representation for all Syrians, creating a social contract founded on citizenship and equal rights. It was also stressed that the country’s stability requires addressing the economic situation and rebuilding state institutions by investing in Syrian expertise and capabilities.

The meeting addressed the critical issue of detainees and forcibly disappeared persons, with participants emphasising the essential role of international institutions in uncovering the fate of detainees and ensuring families' right to truth. Additionally, there was a strong focus on accountability and transitional justice, with a consensus that these processes should serve as tools for stabilising the country rather than becoming instruments of retaliation and revenge during this sensitive phase.

Madaniya’s Monthly Newsletter - December 2024