The Freedom Charter
Part One: An Invitation to Dream
When we launched the Freedom Charter initiative, Syrians had been taking to the streets for more than 2 years in both nonviolent and armed resistance to state what they did NOT want. The formal Syrian opposition, which formed at the start of the uprising, had largely failed to represent Syrians or to state what they wanted in the post-Assad era. What was our future going to look like?
Given the pace and evolving nature of the Syrian revolution, we knew that the collapse of the Assad regime would be inevitable, and that it was a matter of “when” and “how.” The Syrian people wanted be the architects of their country’s future.
To reconcile Syrians lack of representation, give them a platform to share what they DO want, and create a common vision of a democratic, free Syria, we created the Freedom Charter project. During the course of 1 year, in partnership with the Local Coordination Committees in Syria, we surveyed 50,333 Syrians, both inside and outside Syria.
The subsequent analysis highlighted the rights and freedoms that the Syrian people demand, and the Freedom Charter provides the future leadership – regardless of who or what it is – with key tenets to include in their plans to lead the country during the transition period.
Part Two: Another 30,000
FREE-Syria was able to extend the work of the original Freedom Charter project. We were able to increase awareness and understanding of the Freedom Charter in Syrian communities all over the world, and foster acceptance of the main principles laid out in the document.
Through presentations to communities, families, and individuals throughout Syria, we were able to spread the word. We engaged expatriate communities around the world and leveraged social media. With proper funding from a variety of organizations, governments, and committed individuals, we were able to obtain an additional 30,000 signatures. If we can continue this project, we hope to generate enough support that the Freedom Charter will be incorporated in the Constitution of post-conflict Syria.
Another extension project would enable Syrians to freely express how they see the future of their country. By implementing this project, Syrians around the world will experience or witness the previously unknown: the ability to state their demands of their government.