A Women’s delegation from Northern and Eastern Syria (Rojava) has arrived in Switzerland, following meetings in Germany. The delegation includes Northern and Eastern Syria Women’s Assembly co-chair Emîne Omer, Syrian Women’s Assembly spokesperson Muna El Yusif, Zenubiya Women’s Community spokesperson Şehrezad El Casim, Kongra Star member Jiyan Hisên, and Syriac Women’s Union leader Jorjêt Bersûm.
First stop: Federal Parliament
The delegation first met Fabian Molina, SP parliamentarian and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, at the Swiss Federal Assembly. Presenting the latest developments in Syria, the delegation emphasized that the rights of women and minorities must be guaranteed. Molina highlighted Rojava’s democratic model and stressed that the international community must take responsibility.
Rights must be guaranteed
The delegation then met with SP parliamentarian and member of the Kurdish Friendship Group Carlo Sommaruga. They noted that after 14 years of war, there is hope for democracy, equality, and federal structures, but that risks of repression and instability remain.
Sommaruga recalled the Swiss Federal Assembly’s 22 February decision to support and recognize the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria, reiterating Switzerland’s solidarity.
Meeting with civil society
Following parliamentary meetings, the delegation came together with women’s organizations, climate activists, and various social movements at the Haus der Bewegung (House of Movement) in Bern. The gathering, which drew strong interest from Swiss activists, was marked by messages of solidarity.
Public meeting
Finally, the delegation attended a public meeting at the Bern Kurdish Community Center, where they discussed the current situation in Syria and the women’s struggle.
Lausanne, Zurich, Aarau, and St. Gallen next
The Rojava Women’s Delegation will continue its meetings in Switzerland. Here, the delegation will see parliamentarians, civil society organizations, and the public in Lausanne, Zurich, Aarau, and St. Gallen. The delegation will also speak at a panel to be held in Lausanne.
