Dear friends,
Meeting planned between the YPJ and the government in Damascus
For 14 years, the Women’s Defence Units (YPJ) have been organised as a women’s military force in northern and eastern Syria. YPJ fighters have played a decisive role in shaping the situation in Syria through numerous battles and victories. The agreement of 29 January marked the start of a new process: the integration of the institutions of the Autonomous Administration with those of the Syrian transitional government. One of the points provides for the incorporation of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the Syrian army. However, the issue of the Women’s Defence Units (YPJ) remains one of the most sensitive and controversial topics. To this day, the Syrian transitional government categorically refuses to allow an independent women’s army to exist.
Most recently, a meeting took place in April between the YPJ leadership and the Syrian Minister of Defence; however, no official response has yet been received to the proposals put forward there. The YPJ emphasises that its presence is not limited to the military sphere, but also symbolises women’s participation in security matters and society. The future of the YPJ depends on the nature of the integration process and the guarantees that will be provided in the next phase. In recent weeks, there has been speculation in many media outlets about the integration of the YPJ into internal security structures. In principle, the YPJ is open to proposals and discussions on this matter, provided that its autonomy as women and its own decision-making structures remain guaranteed. However, this requires official negotiations to take place between the YPJ and the government in Damascus.
Women’s rights must be guaranteed by law and under the constitution
Syrian women activists and human rights defenders highlighted the need to review existing and applicable laws and to assess their effectiveness in protecting women’s rights. They called for increased efforts during the transitional phase to ensure that women’s rights are firmly enshrined in the new Syrian constitution, including equal representation and meaningful participation in decision-making processes. They highlighted the experiences in Rojava as a model for the empowerment of women and emphasised that women must be involved in the drafting of the constitution from the outset. They also called for laws that guarantee equality, protect women’s rights and ensure their unrestricted participation in all areas of political and social life.
Risks facing displaced families returning to Serekaniye
After seven years, the first convoy of around 400 families from Serekaniye set off on their journey back to their town and villages. The return comes after years of displacement and harsh living conditions in camps, whilst the families have consistently insisted on their right to a safe, organised and dignified return to their homeland.
However, the returnees’ journey was not without problems. Armed men attacked a vehicle in the convoy and families were prevented from returning to their homes. At the same time, there are reports that armed groups are patrolling the region, causing returnees to feel threatened.
In response, widespread protests broke out in Qamishlo, Hasaka, Tal Tamr, Derik, Tirbespiye, Derbesiye and Kobani. Demonstrators demanded protection for the returning families, accountability from those responsible, and guarantees for a safe and sustainable return. The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the attacks and urged the relevant authorities to take full responsibility for the protection of returnees and their property. Kongra Star also strongly condemned the attacks, particularly those targeting women, children and the elderly.
Overall, the atmosphere in the region is tense, and people accuse the transitional government of failing to honour agreements or to guarantee sufficient protection for their implementation.
Unidentified armed men recently attacked a unit in the outskirts of Qamishlo that has since been integrated into the Syrian army and is stationed there. Two fighters lost their lives and several others were injured.
With revolutionary greetings from Rojava.
