Syria's parliament convenes: Kurds absent from bylaws committee
RastinewsNo Kurdish representatives sit on the special committee drafting Syria's People's Assembly bylaws. Kurdish lawmakers are demanding a strong voice on the specialized committees to come.
Syria's People's Assembly held its second legislative session Sunday, with debate continuing over the bylaws that will govern how parliament operates.
The special committee that drafted the 227-article bylaws includes no Kurdish representative, a notable absence. In the first two sessions devoted to the draft, only 18 articles were approved.
According to Rudaw, Kurdish lawmakers said they want an effective role on the legislative committees to be formed once the bylaws are adopted.
Kurdish MP Ahmed Murad pointed to the higher education, education and constitutional committees in particular. "We will work to secure a strong presence on the most important committees, such as higher education, education and the constitution," he said.
Kurdish MP and lawyer Ridwan Sido stressed the importance of Kurdish representation on the transitional justice and human rights committee.
"Transitional justice matters greatly to us. We need a seat on this committee to redress the injustices done to Kurds, compensate victims and ensure that everyone who committed crimes against Kurds is prosecuted," Sido said.
Sido added that Kurdish lawmakers would push for representation not only on these committees but across every committee in parliament.
Assembly members say debating and adopting the 227-article bylaws could take more than 10 days.
Once the process is complete, parliament is expected to form 21 specialized committees covering areas including the constitution, finance, economy, defense and security, foreign relations, public services, education, health and agriculture.