YPJ commemorates Desmond Tutu

In a written statement, YPJ General Command commemorated South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu who was revered for his struggle against apartheid based on white minority rule.

“Those who sacrifice their lives for promoting love and peace cannot be ignored by the people, especially by those who are faced with racist mentalities that permeate into societies and deny equality and justice,” the statement said.

“Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s passing is sad news for all his comrades around the world. Desmond Tutu was a strong moral figure who worked tirelessly to bring about a peaceful change in South Africa and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his fight against the apartheid regime. He also received the Templeton award in April 2013, which had been previously given to Mother Teresa and Dalai Lama,” the statement noted.

“The archbishop who fought along with Nelson Mandela was a symbol of resistance against the apartheid regime. He coined the term ‘rainbow nation’ used to denote ethnic diversity in post-apartheid South Africa,” the statement continued.

“As YPJ, we heard with great sadness the passing of a person who promoted equality and peace among peoples. Because we place huge value on all international, individual, and collective efforts to ensure equality between social groups and peoples. To achieve these goals, we endorse all efforts that serve the principles demanding equality and reject racism. We offer our condolences to everyone who wants to bring equality to the world, and we remember their support for the Kurdish struggle,” the statement concluded.