This declaration was issued just two days before the anniversary of the Syrian revolution, which began on March 15, 2011.

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a constitutional declaration initiating a five-year transitional period following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by his Islamist group.

Al-Sharaa, who led the overthrow of Assad in December 2024, emphasized the need to replace injustice with justice and suffering with mercy.

The interim constitution outlines a timeline for political transition, estimating up to three years for drafting a new constitution and five years to hold elections.

The declaration establishes a strict separation of powers and guarantees a wide range of rights and freedoms, including women's social, economic, and political rights.

Al-Sharaa has committed to forming an inclusive government until a new constitution is completed and free elections are held, despite the challenges posed by the civil war aftermath.

It also includes the formation of a transitional justice commission to address the needs of victims and survivors of past regimes, while prohibiting exceptional courts that have caused suffering.

Critics of the recent national dialogue conference, which led to the constitutional declaration, argue that it lacked inclusivity for various ethnic and sectarian groups.

The Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria criticized the declaration for failing to reflect the country's diverse reality, which includes various ethnic groups.

Despite these developments, the U.S. and Europe remain cautious about lifting sanctions on Syria, seeking assurances that the new leadership will create an inclusive political system that protects minority rights.

UN special envoy Geir Pedersen welcomed the constitutional declaration as a step towards restoring the rule of law and addressing a legal vacuum in Syria.

The temporary constitution maintains that the head of state must be Muslim, with Islamic law as the primary source of legislation, while also including provisions for freedom of expression.