The success of this measure depends on effective and inclusive implementation that reaches
all persons covered by Article 4 without discrimination, including those residing outside
Syria, while upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Against this backdrop, this report assesses the implementation of Article 4 of Decree No. 13
of 2026 by examining the experiences of affected persons and the challenges a nd
opportunities arising from the procedures in place.
Methodology
This report employs a qualitative human rights monitoring methodology, combining
individual interviews, direct field observation, and legal and procedural analysis of Article 4
of Decree No. 13 of 2026 and the procedures adopted for its implementation.
Between 6 April and 22 May 2026, Synergy Association for Victims and the Network of
Statelessness Victims in al-Hasakah (NSVH), in cooperation with the MENA Statelessness
Network (Hawiati), conducted 18 individual interviews with Kurdish Unregistered Persons
(Maktoumeen al-Qayd) and their family members from different areas of al-Hasakah
Governorate, including al-Hasakah, Qamishli, al-Malikiyah/Derik, and Ras al-Ayn/Serekaniye.
Additional interviews were conducted with individuals residing outside Syria, including in the
Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Türkiye. The sample included persons who had successfully
submitted applications under Article 4 of Decree No. 13 of 2026, as well as others who were
unable to apply or complete the required procedures for various reasons.
The report also draws on first-hand accounts from persons affected by statelessness,
focusing on the consequences of nationality deprivation, their experiences with the current
registration process, and the challenges encountered in obtaining documentation,
registering, and following up on their applications.
In addition, the report incorporates field observations collected during visits to registration
centres for Unregistered Persons in al-Hasakah Governorate. These visits examined
operational procedures, levels of organization, accessibility of services, and challenges faced
by applicants. The analysis is further informed by expert legal assessments of the procedural
and implementation aspects of Article 4 and the extent to which its practical application is
consistent with relevant legal principles.
The report focuses on assessing the practical and human rights dimensions of implementing
Article 4 of Decree No. 13 of 2026 and documenting the challenges faced by affected
persons during the registration process, with a view to supporting efforts to enhance the
effectiveness, inclusiveness, and fairness of the procedures.
To protect participants’ privacy and mitigate any potential adverse consequences arising
from their participation, pseudonyms have been used for all individuals whose testimonies
are cited in this report.
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