108 Kurdish Organizations Urge International Support for a Federal System in Syria
Over 100 Kurdish organizations in the diaspora have issued a joint statement calling on world leaders and international bodies to support a democratic, pluralistic, and federal Syria. The statement, addressed to the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union, highlights the urgent need for a lasting political solution in Syria that guarantees equal rights for all ethnic and religious communities.
A Plea for a New Constitution
The statement, signed by organizations from Europe, North America, and the Middle East, urges the international community to facilitate the drafting of a new Syrian constitution that upholds secularism and inclusivity. The signatories emphasize that a federal system would ensure the fair distribution of power and resources while protecting the rights of Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians, Armenians, Turkmens, Alevis, Druze, Ismailis, and religious minorities such as Muslims, Christians, and Yazidis.
"The Kurdish-administered regions have demonstrated that coexistence and unity are possible in a war-torn country," the statement reads. "However, without a legal framework that guarantees these rights, Syria risks descending back into instability."
Acknowledging Past Contributions in the Fight Against ISIS
The Kurdish diaspora organizations express gratitude for the international community's support in the battle against ISIS, noting that Kurdish-led forces sacrificed over 11,000 lives in defending both their region and global security. However, they caution that the lack of a sustainable political resolution could render those sacrifices meaningless.
"We sincerely thank the United States, the European Union, Canada, and the United Nations for their assistance," the statement continues. "However, without decisive action, the progress made in defeating extremism may be undone, leading to renewed chaos and suffering."
Federalism as a Path to Stability
The signatories advocate for a decentralized, federal system as the best mechanism to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity while granting autonomy to its diverse communities. They argue that such a structure would foster stability, cooperation, and economic growth, not just within Syria but across the broader Middle East.
"A federal Syria can serve as a model for coexistence and democratic governance," they assert. "It would offer historically marginalized communities a voice in shaping their own future, rather than being subjected to centralist policies that have long ignored their needs."
Condemning Turkish Military Actions
The statement also condemns Turkey’s ongoing military operations against Kurdish regions in northern Syria, warning that these offensives exacerbate humanitarian crises, displace thousands of civilians, and destabilize the entire region.
"The international community cannot remain silent while a NATO member violates human rights and international law," the organizations insist. They call on the UN, the EU, and Western allies to hold Turkey accountable and demand an immediate cessation of hostilities.
A Vision for a Democratic Syria
The Kurdish diaspora organizations reaffirm their commitment to peace, human rights, and coexistence, envisioning a Syria that respects the dignity of all its citizens and fosters bridges between its diverse communities.
"We call upon the world to support this vision, not only for the Kurdish people but for all Syrians," the statement concludes. "The sacrifices made in the fight against ISIS should not be in vain. Together, we must ensure that Syria's future is one of democracy, equality, and lasting peace."
Signatories
The statement is endorsed by 108 Kurdish organizations, including:
…and numerous other Kurdish diaspora groups advocating for self-governance and minority rights.
This call for action underscores the growing urgency for a political settlement in Syria that ensures stability, justice, and equality for all its people. Whether world leaders heed this appeal remains to be seen, but for the Kurdish diaspora, the fight for a democratic Syria continues.
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