Opposition Holds Conference in Washington

The Damascus Declaration for National Democratic Change, a coalition of opposition groups, held a conference in Washington to raise awareness about the Syrian opposition and human rights issues.



The conference, entitled “Syria in Transition”, was held on April 25 at the United States House of Representatives, the opposition group Movement for Justice and Development reported in a press release.



The conference highlighted human rights concerns in Syria, particularly the detention of Damascus Declaration leaders and others for political reasons. The Movement for Justice and Development estimates that there are around 4,000 prisoners of conscience in Syria.



In other remarks, the panellists discussed the creation of an organised opposition within Syria and debated whether the US should adopt a policy of engagement with Syria.



The panellists included opposition leaders and international experts on the country.



The conference was organised by the Movement for Justice and Development, the Tharwa Foundation and the Democracy Council. The Kurdish Democratic Union Party and the US Damascus Declaration Committee also attended.