In brief
The Syrian interim government has mandated that women must wear burkinis or other modest attire at public beaches, aiming to enhance public decency and safety. Although the decree allows for exemptions in private and upscale hotel beaches, it introduces strict guidelines for swimwear, including restrictions for men. The enforcement methods remain unclear amidst an evolving political climate.
Syria's Islamist-led interim government has announced a new regulation mandating that women wear burkinis - a type of modest swimsuit that covers the body while leaving the face, hands, and feet exposed - at public beaches and swimming pools. This directive, coming from the tourism ministry, is said to be intended for "enhancing public safety standards and preserving public decency," according to Syrian state broadcaster Al-Ikhbariyah al-Suriyah.Private beaches, clubs, and pools, along with hotels rated above four stars, are exempt from this mandate. Traditionally, Syrian women have favored modest attire at public beaches, but some have also chosen to wear Western-style swimwear. The new regulations specify that visitors to public beaches and pools must don "more modest swimwear," making particular mention of the burkini or similarly covering swim garments.Additionally, the directive states that women must cover their swimwear with loose clothing when moving away from the swimming areas. The rules also prohibit traveling in swimwear outside of beach premises without appropriate cover. Men, according to the new measures, are required to wear shirts when not in the water and are not permitted to be bare-chested outside designated swimming areas.While "normal Western swimwear" is generally permitted in exempt locations "within the limits of public taste," the decree urges all beachgoers to opt for garments that provide coverage of shoulders and knees, actively discouraging transparent and tight clothing.The statement did not clarify how compliance with these new regulations would be enforced or what penalties might be imposed on those who disregard them. In conjunction with these swimwear regulations, the decree includes various safety measures for pools and beaches.Since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's regime by Islamist rebel forces led by Ahmed al-Sharaa in late December, the new government has articulated aspirations for inclusivity. Al-Sharaa, Syria's interim president, has previously expressed his beliefs in advocating for women's education and has sought to disassociate his administration from the regressive policies observed in Afghanistan regarding women's rights.In March, Al-Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration establishing a five-year transitional period, reiterating that Islamic principles would be the main source of legislation. The document also proclaimed protections for women's rights, freedom of expression, and media liberties.
