Embedded Files
December 9, 2024
The fall of the Assad family’s 54-year barbaric regime is a critical point for Syria and the broader Southwest Asian region. After years of brutal repression, displacement, and unimaginable suffering, the Syrian people have reached a moment filled with both hope and uncertainty. As members of the Carleton University Human Rights Society, a society dedicated to upholding human rights for all, we recognize this as a time to reflect on the universal principles of justice, dignity, and freedom that must guide the path forward.
While the downfall of any authoritarian regime is cause for cautious optimism, we remain deeply aware of the challenges that lie ahead. In the coming weeks, self-interest must not be prioritized, but rather the well-being of all Syrian people. We condemn the attempts by the Israeli government to capitalize on this moment and attempt to illegally colonize more Syrian land in the Golan Heights. The international community must support Syrians as they strive to rebuild their society on foundations of accountability, human rights, and inclusion, free from all foreign interference and exploitation. Whether that be American, Turkish, Iranian, or Israeli interference; the Syrian people must choose their own path forward.
This moment also requires us to acknowledge the interconnected struggles in the region. The Syrian people’s resilience echoes the fight for justice in Palestine, Lebanon, and beyond. Until now, volunteer rescue teams are still figuring out how to access the maze of prison tunnels that the regime built underground. The liberation of thousands of detainees from the Sednaya torture camp reminds us of the urgency to address the plight of all hostages detained across the region, including Palestinians.
Human rights are indivisible, and no one struggle can be seen in isolation. The occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights, the ongoing siege of Gaza, and the displacement of millions across the region are all symptoms of systems of power that prioritize division over solidarity. In this historic moment, we call for a reimagining of the region - a future where justice is not fragmented by borders, but unified by shared humanity.
As the Syrian people navigate this uncertain road, we stand in solidarity with their fight for freedom and self-determination. It is not enough to dismantle tyranny; we must ensure that what emerges in its place is rooted in equity, human rights, and justice for all. For now, we join the Syrian people in their celebrations and joy of being freed from the chains of oppression and reuniting with their families after decades apart.
In this difficult time, we call on the community and other organizations to centre a vision of liberation that affirms freedom and justice for everyone, without exception. This includes rejecting narratives that justify the oppression of Syrians in service of other struggles. The subjugation of one group cannot be justified as a means to support another.
“We dared to dream, and we will not regret dignity.”
(Waad Alkateab, Syrian Filmmaker)
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