As Syria looks forward to building a new era—one that restores the dignity and value of the human being and lays the foundations for a healthy relationship between the state and its citizens—a troubling phenomenon emerges that must be addressed with seriousness and responsibility.
It is the phenomenon of some government offices and institutions neglecting citizens of Damascus and other Syrian provinces who belong to well-known national families with historical reputations, or those who hold high scientific, social, or cultural standing.

We firmly reject the logic of social classes and do not call for privileging one group over another. However, fairness requires distinguishing between the ordinary citizen and public figures whose presence, discourse, and names embody part of the national, social, and cultural identity of this country—especially when such figures visit state institutions after returning from exile for a decade or more.

It is unacceptable for the country’s intellectuals, scholars, and dignitaries to be received with cold bureaucracy, rigid procedures, or treated like mere numbers in an endless queue.
These individuals are, in reality, unofficial ambassadors of this new era and the bright face we aspire to present to both domestic and international public opinion.

What exacerbates the issue is that some state departments have begun to lack even the minimum level of seriousness and institutional discipline.
We have recorded cases of employees receiving citizens in attire unfit for public office—whether in galabiyas or otherwise unprofessional clothing—creating a scene devoid of basic professional standards. Worse still, some offices have turned into something like “home lounges,” where visitors find employees with their feet propped on desks or chairs, working as if in their bedrooms rather than an official institution expected to project dignity and order.

We stress the need to restore the public appearance of state employees, enforce a unified “administrative dress code,” and issue clear guidelines ensuring respect for institutional settings.
Employees must also be directed toward courteous reception and disciplined conduct when dealing with citizens.

Additionally, repeated complaints have arisen about the return of bribery—whether explicit or implicit—in some institutions, as well as raising voices at citizens or treating them condescendingly. This poses a direct threat to the image and prestige of the state and undermines public trust at a time when reinforcing that trust is more urgent than ever.

Recommendations:

1. Instruct state employees to observe official protocols when receiving national and public figures.
2. Designate special reception areas for visitors from abroad—whether Syrian nationals or official/unofficial guests.
3. Enforce a standardized professional dress code within institutions and reintroduce discipline in appearance and behavior.
4. Launch internal awareness campaigns to promote a culture of public service and respect for citizens—especially those who represent an honorable face for the nation and support for the new era.
5. Activate grievance channels to address bribery, poor reception, shouting at citizens, and similar misconduct.
6. Strengthen public and institutional oversight tools to ensure competent and respectful reception for all who approach state offices.

Building the new Syria does not begin solely with constitutional texts or large-scale projects—it begins with the behavior of a single employee, the dignity of a visitor, and an institution run in the spirit of the state, not with indifference.

Today, Syria deserves to be like a pure pearl in the eyes of its people and visitors—where dignity is never insulted, the image of the state is never tarnished, and a new era is built on respect, justice, and discipline.