Dear friends,
On the ‘We Are All YPJ’ campaign
Representatives from various women’s organisations across politics, the press and civil society have come together over the past few days to discuss the ‘We Are All YPJ’ campaign, its results to date and future prospects. It became obvious that, despite numerous actions at the start of the campaign and widespread international solidarity, no concrete results have yet been achieved. All participants made it clear that the campaign must continue and be strengthened. For the women in Rojava, the continued existence of the YPJ is an integral part of their identity and fundamental to the struggle to protect the achievements of the women’s revolution.
The transitional government continues to categorically reject the integration of the Women’s Defence Units into the Syrian army. Alternative options – such as affiliation with the Ministry of the Interior whilst retaining autonomous structures and women-led command – were indeed raised in the media but have not been seriously discussed by the transitional government. On Tuesday, an initial meeting took place between the transitional government and the YPJ command. Everyone is now awaiting further concrete steps.
On the situation of displaced people in North and East Syria
Creating safe and dignified conditions for displaced families, who have often had to flee multiple times in recent years due to attacks and occupation, remains one of the greatest challenges in northern and eastern Syria.
Currently, the ongoing crisis for displaced people from Shahba in Qamishli is intensifying as the new school year approaches. More than 200 families, currently housed in 17 schools, face eviction without any alternative accommodation being provided. Whilst the education authorities are demanding that the schools be vacated so that pupils can return to their classrooms, the displaced people emphasise that their primary demand is a safe return to Shahba, not resettlement elsewhere. They are calling for the necessary security measures to be put in place to guarantee their safety and dignity and to enable them to return to their homes.
Displaced people from Sere Kaniye continue to wait for a safe return. They repeatedly state to the press and the public that returning to their homes is a fundamental right, but that any return must be safe, stable and dignified. They called for the repair of damaged homes, the reopening of roads and schools, and the provision of basic living conditions, coupled with the protection of returning civilians. They emphasised that years of displacement and hardship in the camps had not weakened their determination to return, and that they were ready to return as soon as conditions were in place to guarantee their safety and rights.
Ongoing dialogue on the future of Syria
A meeting in Damascus between the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, the Co-Chair of the Department of External Relations, Ilham Ahmed, and the Foreign Minister of the Syrian Interim Government, Asaad al-Shaibani, has concluded. As part of the ongoing dialogue on the country’s future, the meeting addressed a range of issues relating to political developments in Syria and the implementation of outstanding points from the agreement of 29 January. Following the meeting, the dissolution of the military alliance and the completion of the integration of the former SDF units as brigades into the Syrian Army were announced.
Women’s rights in the constitution of a new Syria
The Syrian Women’s Council organised a lecture in Hasaka on women’s rights in the constitution of a modern state, emphasising that equality, human dignity and the rule of law must be fundamental principles in the building of the state. The lecture addressed women’s constitutional rights, including education, employment, political participation, decision-making, and protection from violence and discrimination. It was emphasised that guaranteeing women’s rights and ensuring their unrestricted participation is not an issue that concerns women alone, but rather forms the foundation of a modern and democratic society.
From Rojava, we send you revolutionary greetings!
