President Barzani welcomes Syrian decree recognizing Kurdish rights

ERBIL — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Saturday welcomed a decree issued by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa recognizing Kurdish rights, calling it an important political and legal step toward building a new Syria based on equality and inclusion.

In a statement, Barzani said respect for pluralism and equality should be seen as a source of strength rather than division. “Embracing diversity and equality as strengths rather than sources of conflict is essential for achieving lasting stability and peace, as it also strengthens national coexistence,” he said.

While praising the decree, Barzani stressed that its full value depends on its implementation and legal grounding. “While this decree is commendable, its full impact will only be felt when these measures are enshrined as binding legislation within Syria’s future constitution, ensuring their permanence and legal protection,” he said.

The decree issued by Syrian President Ahmed al-Shar’a includes measures that recognize Kurdish cultural and civic rights, most notably declaring Newroz, the Kurdish New Year celebrated on March 21, an official national holiday in Syria. It also affirms Kurds as an integral component of the Syrian state and addresses long-standing issues related to identity and citizenship that stem from earlier state policies.

It comes about a week after pro-government forces launched assaults on Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo, including Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, followed by further attacks this week on positions held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

Full statement:

I welcome the decree announced yesterday by the President of Syria, Mr. Ahmed Al-Sharaa. The recognition of Kurds as an indigenous community and the protection of their rights marks an important step forward, both politically and legally, in building a new Syria and upholding the rights of all.

Embracing diversity and equality as strengths rather than sources of conflict is essential for achieving lasting stability and peace, as it also strengthens national coexistence. While this decree is commendable, its full impact will only be felt when these measures are enshrined as binding legislation within Syria’s future constitution, ensuring their permanence and legal protection.

We support all efforts to build an inclusive Syrian state that embraces all communities— free from discrimination and marginalization, where the political and cultural rights of every community are protected and respected, fostering peace and stability throughout the region.

We therefore call on all stakeholders to work together peacefully, developing concrete implementation mechanisms for this decree and translating it into effective policy. The Kurdistan Region remains committed to offering whatever support may be needed to advance peace and stability.

Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region