The Syrian Future Movement is following with great interest the announcement by the Syrian Ministry of Interior, on Friday, July 24, 2026, of the publication of a code of conduct binding on all its personnel, via a video distributed on its official platforms.
While the Syrian Future Movement appreciates this step, which embodies the Syrian state’s commitment to building a professional security institution based on human rights and the rule of law, it sees it as a practical implementation of the “New Syria” vision for reforming security institutions, and a break with the legacy of decades of practices that violated citizens’ dignity and freedoms.
First: The Syrian Future Movement commends the issuance of this code and praises its contents, which establish clear standards for professional conduct and enshrine the principle of protecting human dignity and rights as a central value in the work of the security institution.
The Syrian Future Movement commends this unprecedented step in the history of the Syrian security establishment. The code of conduct establishes a binding ethical and legal framework for its members, criminalizing practices that have been prevalent for decades. These include a ban on torture and degrading treatment, a prohibition on wearing face coverings while on duty, and an emphasis on treating citizens with respect and responding to calls for help with impartiality and equality.
We see this code as embodying the principle of “service is an honor and a privilege,” as highlighted in the video, and as a shift in the security establishment’s culture from one of repression and intimidation to one of service and responsibility.
It is worth noting that this step comes within the context of ongoing efforts to reform the security sector, similar to what was stated in its previous statement regarding the graduation of the first class of tourist police officers (dated May 20, 2026), where it stressed that security is a “partner in development,” not an instrument of repression.
Second: The Syrian Future Movement points to the strategic importance of this code in strengthening trust between citizens and the security establishment, and in consolidating the principle of accountability, thus contributing to building a state of law and institutions.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that the code does not merely define duties, but also links professional evaluation and promotion to adherence to these principles. It emphasizes the responsibility of personnel to immediately report any violation or breach of human rights, thereby establishing the principle of accountability within the institution itself.
We also support this approach, which enhances transparency and self-regulation, contributes to changing the stereotypical image of the security establishment, and rebuilds trust between citizens and security personnel, following the example of countries that have successfully reformed their security sectors.
We emphasize that this step comes at a critical time, as Syria seeks to regain its international standing and attract investments, and that the existence of a professional security institution that applies the highest human rights standards is a fundamental condition for the success of this endeavor.
Third: The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its firm positions supporting the reform of security institutions and the strengthening of the rule of law, as published on its official website, including:
- The statement on “Launching Mobile Medical Clinics in Quneitra” (dated July 11, 2026), which emphasized that cooperation between security institutions and civil society is the foundation for building trust.
- The statement on “Commencing Public Trials in the Suwaida Events” (dated July 5, 2026), which affirmed that holding those involved in violations accountable is a national and moral duty that cannot be postponed.
- The study “Reconstruction Priorities in Syria” (dated December 20, 2024), which indicated that reforming security and judicial institutions is a fundamental condition for achieving sustainable development and attracting investments.
Fourth: The Syrian Future Movement expresses conditional optimism and offers a set of recommendations to ensure the implementation of this code on the ground:
- Establishing clear and transparent mechanisms for implementing the code, including procedures for investigating violations, determining appropriate penalties, and ensuring that no violator escapes accountability, in line with the Ministry’s emphasis that violating the rules necessitates legal accountability.
- Training security personnel on the principles of the code through specialized training programs and workshops to ensure their understanding and assimilation, and their integration into daily practices when dealing with citizens.
- Activating internal and external oversight mechanisms by forming independent oversight bodies and involving civil society organizations in monitoring the implementation of the code to ensure transparency and prevent any deviations.
- Launching awareness campaigns for citizens regarding their rights, to familiarize them with the content of the code, the mechanisms for reporting any violations, and to strengthen their trust in the security establishment, in line with the code’s emphasis on the responsibility to report any human rights violations.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates that this code is a true test of the state’s ability to translate its commitments into tangible reality and to build a security institution that enjoys the citizen’s trust and serves as a shield for rights and freedoms, not an instrument of repression and intimidation.
We believe that the Syrian government and security leadership are now called upon to build upon this step and ensure that the code marks the beginning of a new phase in the relationship between the citizen and the security establishment, one based on mutual respect and the rule of law, and befitting the new Syria and the aspirations of its people.
For its part, the Syrian Future Movement will remain supportive, critical, and vigilant in monitoring this process, striving to build the new Syria on the foundations of justice, dignity, and the rule of law.
