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Dear friends,
we are reaching out with the latest news from Rojava, the heart of the women’s revolution.
Rojava is a region in northern and eastern Syria. Many different communities live here together, including Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians, Armenians, Yazidis, and many others.
For 15 years, society here has been building its own self-administered system based on the values of women. Organized in communes, councils, and women’s institutions, society is becoming the strongest force. The people here are convinced that society can only live in freedom and democracy if women are no longer oppressed but are able to live out their free will.
Letter of solidarity to the YPJ
On April 26, the campaign “We are all YPJ” was launched by Kongra Star, the umbrella organization of women’s groups in Rojava.
Women from the Middle East are coming together and expressing their solidarity. They emphasize that the YPJ must be integrated as a unit into the Syrian army. For many women, the YPJ represents protection, the preservation of women’s rights, and the recognition of women in all areas of life. If the work of the YPJ is banned, it will mean that there can be no democracy in Syria.
At the Jineology Academy, women from Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan, and Yemen presented a letter of solidarity to the women of the YPJ.
The YPJ commander, Rohlat Afrin, thanked them for the initiative and emphasized that support from the population is an important source of trust and recognition.
The fact that the organization of women is not accepted shows that the transitional government and its patriarchal mentality are aware:
“The organization of women is the strongest form of self-defense.” This is why they seek to suppress it.
Genocide against the Armenians
On Sunday, many people took part in a commemoration event marking the genocide against the Armenians in the city of Heseke.
Images of those who were killed hang on the walls, keeping their memory and stories alive. They are honored with a moment of silence, and candles are lit during a collective song.
On the orders of the Ottoman Minister of the Interior, Talât Bey, the arrest of hundreds of Armenians belonging to the Armenian elite began in Istanbul on April 24, 1915. This marked the beginning of the exclusion and persecution of the Armenian population, which within a few months developed into a war of extermination throughout the Ottoman Empire.
While the first victims were interned in concentration camps, the so-called Deportation Law followed on May 27, declaring Armenians de facto spies of the Entente and legitimizing their deportation.
The events of April 24, 1915, marked the beginning of the genocide against the Armenians of the Ottoman Empire. The genocide, known by Armenians as “Aghet” (catastrophe), claimed 1.5 million lives.
Participants in the event are fighting for the recognition of the Armenian language and identity.
“Our people were subjected to a brutal genocide. We will not forget these days and will continue to fight until our rights are secured.”
Another participant highlighted the connection to the current political, social, and humanitarian situation in Syria.
Arif Kasabiyan, co-chair of the Armenian Social Council, stated: “The genocide of 1915 is repeating itself today in Syria.” To prevent further crimes, it is necessary to organize and resist together. “Unity is the key to thwarting plans aimed at our annihilation,” he said.
European Court challenges Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention
Women organizing in Istanbul point to violations of fundamental legal principles.
The Council of Europe agreement from 2011 aims to combat violence against women and domestic violence through binding legal standards. Turkey was the first country to sign the convention, but now intends to withdraw from it as of July 1.
In 2021, Turkey withdrew from the convention by presidential decree—that is, through a single signature by Erdoğan and without parliamentary approval.
The justification from the presidential office claims that the agreement is being used by a group of people to “normalize homosexuality.”
Lawyer Esin Yeşilırmak, representing the platform, sees multiple legal violations in this process, including the right to an effective remedy, the prohibition of discrimination, and the right to a fair trial. “Our complaint is also based on the principle of a democratic society and the legal certainty that has been undermined by this decision,” she said.
She added that the withdrawal by a single signature renders “the decision to terminate the Istanbul Convention invalid.”
The complaint to the European Court follows a ruling by Turkey’s Constitutional Court, which rejected several appeals against the withdrawal.
Case of Rojwelat Kızmaz
The importance of a lawful investigation of femicides for the protection of women must be self-evident. The Turkish state assumes no responsibility, often downplays the circumstances, or denies them altogether.
We see this pattern as well in the femicide of our friend Rojwelat Kızmaz.
She was found dead in 2024, yet to this day there have been no proper legal steps to clarify the causes and circumstances. The family is demanding new investigations, as the previous ones were concluded quickly and classified as suicide.
There is a lack of information and evidence to support such a conclusion. A similar approach was taken by the authorities in the case of Gülistan Doku, which remains unresolved to this day.
It is important not to accept misogynistic investigative practices and to work together to protect the dignity of all people.
Call for unity and strengthening the role of women
At a dialogue seminar organized by the Conference for Democratic Islam in Derik, the importance of social cohesion and solidarity in integrating women and men was emphasized.
The unity and strengthening of women’s role in this integration process were highlighted.
The event took place under the motto “Together for a united democratic society.” Many figures from politics and society, as well as representatives of civil society organizations, participated.
A moment of silence was held in memory of those who lost their lives for a democratic future.
Sinan Sidosh, head of the Ahl al-Beit Association of Democratic Islam, emphasized:
“It is necessary to distinguish between democratic Islam, which recognizes human rights as the right of every citizen and protects the dignity of the people, and authoritarian Islam, which deprives people of their rights and dignity for self-interest.”
He added:
“Through democratic Islam, we must build a foundation of compassion, justice, and solidarity, combat self-interest-driven authoritarianism, strengthen social cohesion, and demonstrate that democracy is the path to preserving the achievements of the people.”
Avin Hajji, co-chair of the Conference for Democratic Islam, stated:
“Women have suffered greatly under authoritarian society through the deprivation of their rights and the erasure of their identity and personality. The current transitional government continues on this path by denying women representation in state-building.”
She continued:
“Women have struggled to shape Syrian civilization and have contributed to the formation of society. Now we live in a state of contradiction, as the transitional government continues to suppress women’s freedoms and deprive them of their rights.”
The Democratic Islam Congress in North and East Syria advocates for a form of religion opposed to power, war, and oppression.
With this, we send revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
