In brief
Syria's government has implemented a new decree mandating that women must wear burkinis—full-coverage swimsuits—or other modest attire at public beaches and swimming facilities. The regulation, conveyed by the tourism ministry, claims to enhance public safety and maintain decency. While private beaches and high-end establishments are exempt, the rules dictate that women must dress in accordance with modesty standards. This has sparked varied reactions among the populace, with some supporting the adjustments while others express concerns about governmental control over individual choices.
The new regulations specify that visitors to public beaches and swimming pools must adopt "more modest swimwear," with mentions of burkinis and apparel covering more body areas. Additionally, the decree highlights that women should wear cover-ups when transitioning between swimming zones and prohibits travelling in swimwear without appropriate clothing. Similarly, men are required to wear shirts outside swimming areas and must not be bare-chested.The directive had mixed reactions. An Idlib resident acknowledged some merits regarding moral decency, while a resident of Damascus criticized the government's overreach into personal freedoms. Since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December by Islamist forces, interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa had promised an inclusive governance approach, though these new swimwear regulations have raised significant public discourse about women's rights and personal freedoms within the newly established framework.The decree didn’t define penalties for non-compliance or enforcement measures, but stipulates the appointment of lifeguards to monitor adherence. The move follows a series of discussions on women's rights in the transitional government’s constitutional declaration, which expresses a commitment to upholding women’s rights amid ongoing societal changes in post-war Syria.
