Dear friends,
we send you our greetings from Rojava, the heart of the women’s revolution.
In today’s message, we report on current developments of the past few days.
Birthday of the YPJ and Abdullah Öcalan
Yesterday, hundreds of people from Rojava gathered in the stadium of Qamishlo to celebrate the anniversary of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) as well as the birthday of Abdullah Öcalan, a significant figure in the Kurdish freedom movement. The entire city was decorated with flags.
The event opened with a military ceremony, followed by speeches in honor of Abdullah Öcalan and the anniversary of the YPJ. The YPJ dedicated this day to all women and to society as a whole. They especially commemorated the founding members.
For society—both locally and worldwide—Abdullah Öcalan holds great significance. His ideas and perspectives embody strength and hope for a free life and the building of a democratic society. Through his analyses and the philosophy of “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Women, Life, Freedom), women have been able to strengthen their free will and build structures of self-defense. Even in times of war around the world, Öcalan demonstrates strength by advocating for peace.
To express this significance and shared connection, people danced together, accompanied by traditional live music performed by a band. Celebrations also took place in the mountains of Kurdistan, marking both Öcalan’s birthday and the founding anniversary of PJAK (Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan).
Mala Jin
On the occasion of Abdullah Öcalan’s birthday, the women of Mala Jin—an institution for mediation within society—invited women from Qamishlo. Women, including mothers of those who have fallen and given their lives for a free and democratic future, gathered to share stories, recite poems, and sing songs.
The women sat in a circle, with a tea service placed in the center. They wore festive and colorful clothing along with traditional scarves from the region.
They shared small anecdotes about their first encounters with Abdullah Öcalan and the strength they drew from them. One woman recalled clearly how Öcalan had already advocated for peaceful solutions and negotiations, painting a picture of his character. Another woman shared the pain of uncertainty regarding her missing child. There were moments of tears and laughter, and songs were sung together to strengthen morale.
Talks with Damascus and the YPJ
The Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) play an important role in defending women’s rights and contributing to the future of Syria. With the beginning of the integration phase, this process is entering a new stage.
On Wednesday, a YPJ delegation met with Defense Minister Murhaf Abu in Damascus to discuss the integration of the women’s freedom movement into the Syrian army. The delegation included YPJ co-chair Rohilat Afrin, Suzdar Haji (a member of the General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces, SDF), and YPJ spokesperson Ruksen Mohamed.
The talks are seen as a first positive step toward diplomatic negotiations, as the minister expressed willingness to continue the dialogue. However, society emphasizes that it will continue to defend women’s rights as long as the YPJ is not officially anchored in the new constitution.
“We will ensure the presence of women in Syria with the identity of the YPJ,” said Ruksen Mohamed.
Negotiations on the Asayish Security Forces
The starting point of the discussions is that the Syrian transitional government has so far rejected the integration of an independent women’s unit into the army.
Instead, it proposed that women could join the local Asayish security forces individually, rather than as a unit. This proposal was rejected by the YPJ, as it does not correspond to women’s rights and would mean that women are divided instead of organized collectively.
The fact that women are now allowed to work within the Asayish is the result of long negotiations and represents an initial success. At first, any participation by women was rejected; later, only married women were allowed to join; and finally, participation was opened to all women.
Second convoy – Return to Afrin
On Saturday, the second convoy of displaced people from Afrin returned to their homeland. Around 200 families set out from Qamishlo toward Afrin.
This return was made possible by the integration agreement between the Syrian transitional government and the democratic forces of Syria. The implementation of these agreements is of great importance. Families who had been living in schools or camps are now returning with hope and the possibility of a new beginning.
In March, around 400 families had already returned to the regions of Cindirês, Mabeta, and Şiyê.
Situation in Afrin
Families returning to Afrin are glad to reconnect with their land and roots. While many are already living again in their homes, others face significant challenges.
Some houses have been looted or destroyed by armed groups linked to the Turkish state. Other families found their homes occupied by people who had been resettled there by the Turkish state.
Solutions must be found for these situations.
According to a report by the Kurdish human rights organization RMME, 13 civilians were killed in March in the regions of Aleppo and Afrin, and further serious attacks were documented. These acts are attributed to armed groups connected to the Syrian transitional government and the Turkish state.
To ensure the long-term return of the population, security guarantees must be established. These, along with the development of stable structures, continue to be negotiated with the transitional government.
With this, we send you revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
