Ms Silvia Luthi, Research Officer at the Next Century Foundation, addresses the 40th Meeting of the 58th Session of United Nations Human Rights Council and calls for an end to the sectarian violence against Shiites and Alawites. Silvia asks the current government of Syria for more inclusive governance in future.

Transcript:

Your Excellencies,
My name is Silvia Luthi of the Next Century Foundation. I stand before you to highlight the urgent need for the inclusion and protection of minority groups in Syria – now at greater risk than ever. Syria is home to diverse communities—Alawite, Shiite, Christian, Druze, Kurdish, and Sunni Arab—each with rich histories and traditions. However, sectarian violence has long hindered their ability to practice their faith freely, and though some hoped for change under President Al-Sharaa, there are no clear signs of it decreasing.
Despite promises to include and protect citizens’ rights, President Al-Sharaa’s government has launched attacks on the Alawite and Shiite community, threatening their livelihood and fueling sectarian divisions. The escalating violence has deepened insecurity, forced mass displacements, and further destabilized the nation.
In light of these alarming developments, the Next Century Foundation calls for concrete measures: equal legal rights for all religious groups, fair representation in government through quotas or reserved seats, and the establishment of religious advisory councils to ensure minority voices are heard. The government must also safeguard religious sites, rebuild those damaged by conflict, and enforce laws against discrimination and hate crimes.
We urge Syria’s incoming leadership to adopt policies that uphold the rights of all religious and ethnic communities, fostering a peaceful and inclusive future.

Thank you.