In a statement published at the turn of the year, the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) took stock of developments over the past year and identified key political challenges for 2026. The focus is on the state of the dialogue process in Turkey, the political crisis in South Kurdistan, the pressure on Rojava, repression in Iran, and the international context of war. Calling for unity, KNK said: “Today more than ever, Kurdistan needs a common stance, clarity, and active resistance.”
The process is progressing slowly but visibly
With regard to the situation in Northern Kurdistan and Turkey, the KNK emphasizes that 2025 was a year full of challenges and political disputes. Despite major obstacles, the political dialogue to resolve the Kurdish question has not come to a standstill. On the contrary, PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan has repeatedly sent important messages about the process, and the Kurdish freedom movement has taken concrete steps in response, KNK recalled.
The KNK positively highlighted that a commission has been formed in the Turkish parliament to develop proposals for a solution to the Kurdish question. The commission includes various parties and visited the high-security prison on the island of Imrali at the end of November to speak with Öcalan. The committee is currently preparing a report that is to be presented to parliament in January. This means that the process has entered a “legal phase”, the message said.
“Although progress is slow, a ceasefire remains in place on both sides. A democratic solution in Northern Kurdistan would also pave the way for a solution throughout Kurdistan. That is why many Kurds are keeping a close eye on this process,” KNK stated.
Southern Kurdistan: Political deadlock jeopardizes achievements
The KNK expressed strong criticism of the situation in Southern Kurdistan (Northern Iraq). Despite its federal status, KNK said, key articles of the Iraqi constitution, such as those concerning the resolution of the status of disputed areas such as Kirkuk and Khanaqin, have still not been implemented. KNK pointed out that Kurds continued to be displaced and targeted demographic changes continued to take place in these regions. Even more than 11 years after the genocide perpetrated by ISIS against the religious community, it is still not possible for many Yazidi refugees to return to Shengal, the statement noted.
The KNK also expressed concern over the political paralysis in the region: “15 months after the last elections, neither a new government nor a parliamentary speaker has been appointed in Hewlêr (Erbil). This jeopardizes the achievements made so far in Southern Kurdistan. The economic situation is also exacerbating social pressure. The Turkish military presence on Southern Kurdistan and attacks by the army also continue unabated. In view of this overall situation, unity is more urgent than ever””
Eastern Kurdistan: Hope for a change in perspective despite repression
The KNK praised the ongoing resistance in Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhilat), particularly under the slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Woman, Life, Freedom). “Even though the movement has entered a quieter phase, there is still hope. The establishment of a Dialogue Center with the participation of various Eastern Kurdistan forces is s a positive sign. This should be strengthened in order to create a common political basis.”
At the same time, the KNK criticized the repression by the Iranian state, saying that arrests, executions, attacks on kolbars (border traders) and systematic intimidation are everyday occurrences. “Iran also faces serious challenges at the regional and international levels- not least since the military tensions with Israel in June. Even if the conflict is currently on hold, it could flare up again at any time. However, the current situation also presents opportunities for new initiatives in East Kurdistan based on freedom and peace.”
Defending Rojava means defending all of Kurdistan
Regarding the situation in Rojava and all other areas of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), the KNK noted that a de facto autonomous status has existed there for 14 years, which has been defended under difficult conditions. The protection and recognition of this status is of central importance—not only for Rojava, but for the whole of Kurdistan, it underlined.
“After the collapse of the Baath regime, Syria has been dominated by Islamist groups and militias. Minorities such as Alawites, Christians, Yazidis, and, of course, Kurds continue to be subjected to attacks.” The KNK emphasized that talks between the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian transitional government in Damascus had begun on the basis of the March 10 agreement. “However, no concrete results have been produced so far. Despite growing international attention, Rojava continues to need broad support. Defending Rojava means defending all of Kurdistan,” said the statement.
Key demand: Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan
The statement once again emphasized Abdullah Öcalan’s central role in finding a political solution to the Kurdish question. The complete isolation of the PKK founder on the Turkish prison island of Imrali is not only problematic in terms of human rights, but also prevents any serious prospect of dialogue and understanding, said the KNK. “Without Öcalan’s participation, a credible political process is not possible. Therefore, his physical freedom must be guaranteed and democratic conditions for talks must be restored,” said the KNK and once again called for support for the international campaign “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan – Political Solution to the Kurdish Question.”
Repression against political prisoners in Turkey and Iran
The KNK also referred to the situation of numerous political prisoners in the region. In Iranian prisons, it said, arbitrary detentions, torture, and executions continue to occur. Kurdish activists and kolbars are particularly affected. Human rights violations also continue in Turkish prisons, particularly through isolation, restrictions on the right to defense, and politically motivated judgments. The KNK called for an end to these repressive measures and called for international solidarity with all those affected.
Final appeal
“The Kurdish people are entering a new year that is full of challenges, but also full of opportunities,” the statement said. “Efforts toward unity, dialogue, and peace must continue with the goal of achieving a just and lasting solution for Kurdistan”, it added.