New Swimwear Regulations in Syria Mandate Burkinis for Women at Public Beaches

The Islamist-led interim government in Syria has introduced a decree requiring women to wear burkinis or other modest swimwear at public beaches and pools, raising concerns about enforcement and women's rights.

Syria's interim government, led by Islamist factions, has mandated that women must don burkinis, a modest swimsuit that covers the body except for the face, hands, and feet, while at public beaches and swimming pools. This new regulation, issued by the tourism ministry, aims to "enhance public safety standards and preserve public decency," according to Syrian state news outlet Al-Ikhbariyah al-Suriyah.

The directive specifies that private beaches, clubs, and facilities with four-star ratings or more are exempt from these rules. Although many women in Syria typically dress modestly at the beach, a segment has been known to adopt more Western-style swimwear. The new ruling stipulates that beachgoers must don "more modest swimwear," emphasizing the burkini or similar clothing that covers larger portions of the body.

Additionally, the decree instructs that women must wear cover-ups or loose clothing over their swimsuits when moving between swimming locations, and swimming attire should not be visible outside of designated beach areas. Men are similarly required to wear shirts outside of swimming zones and are not permitted to be bare-chested.

While "normal Western swimwear" is accepted in exempt locations, it is subject to a standard of "public taste." The announcement further advises individuals against wearing transparent or tight-fitting clothes and encourages garments that cover the shoulders and knees.

The decree does not outline any penalties for non-compliance or mechanisms for enforcing these regulations. This development comes at a time of political transition in Syria, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's regime by Islamist factions led by Ahmed al-Sharaa in December. Al-Sharaa has expressed intentions to govern inclusively, although the new regulations have raised concerns about the potential erosion of women's rights in the country.

In recent discussions, al-Sharaa affirmed his commitment to women's education and downplayed fears that his regime would replicate the oppressive conditions faced by women in Afghanistan. Last March, he signed a constitutional declaration for a transitional period, maintaining that Islam remains the president's faith while also guaranteed women's rights and freedoms of expression and the press.