As conflict processes in the Middle East escalate once again, Iran, Palestine, Syria, and Rojava are among the regions where these conflicts are being experienced most intensely. At a time when the “Peace and Democratic Society Process” continues in Bakur, attacks on the Kurdish people’s right to life and their lands persist in the countries of the region, contrary to efforts for dialogue and a peaceful solution.
Most recently, with the participation of HTS and Turkish state–backed armed groups, Aleppo’s Ashrafiyah and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods were targeted by heavy attacks. While an attempted massacre was prevented by the resistance of the people, numerous war crimes were committed during the attacks. It was reported that dozens of women were taken captive and many children were abducted, while the silence of international institutions in the face of these events has drawn strong reactions. Similarly, it is stated that women’s and human rights are being systematically violated in Iran as well.
Speaking about the attacks, women from Amed drew attention to the war crimes being committed and emphasized that the attacks particularly target women and children. As women took to the streets to defend their right to life amid conflicts, they stated that the importance of organization and self-defense has once again become clear. Reacting to the ongoing silence in the face of war crimes, the women stressed that attacks on women are specifically aimed at the Rojava Revolution, known as a women’s revolution, and at women’s organizations.
Women from Amed said, “They want to take revenge on the Kurdish people and on women for the revolution. Everyone must say ‘stop’ to this barbarism.”
Women are systematically targeted
Gülşen Demir, a lawyer and executive board member of the Amed branch of the Lawyers for Freedom Association (ÖHD), stated that women are systematically targeted during times of war and emphasized the importance of peace. Noting that they have repeatedly pointed out that women and children suffer the heaviest consequences of wars, Demir said, “For this reason, we attach great importance to peace.”
Emphasizing that the priority given to women in Leader Apo’s “Call for a Democratic Society and Peace” is not independent of this reality, Demir stated that under war conditions, women experience the greatest victimization.
Underlining that the targeting of women is not coincidental, Demir continued: “We are facing a horrific mentality that sees the capture of women as a legitimate means of conquering land or cities. We do not accept this. Everything that has been committed there constitutes war crimes. The international public, especially Turkey, must take a clear stance against these crimes for a sincere and honorable peace. We do not accept any crime directed at women or humanity. We will continue to raise our voices everywhere.”
War crimes are not prosecuted
Education and Science Workers’ Union (Eğitim-Sen) member Saliha Aras said that wars taking place simultaneously in many parts of the world affect all peoples, but that women and children pay a much heavier price.
Aras said: “Women and children, who are the most vulnerable segments of societies, are more deeply affected by these wars. If war crimes were committed in Palestine yesterday, the same crimes are being committed today in Iran, Aleppo, Sheikh Maqsoud, and Ashrafiyah. Women are being killed, people are being taken captive, and children are facing hunger and thirst. We can clearly see this in the images reflected in the media. Right now, we do not know what women are experiencing there. People are being abducted, and even their fate is unknown. In Iran, women are being killed in the streets, innocent people are being detained and sentenced to death.”
Stressing that the cost of the hegemonic powers’ calculations of interest is being paid by impoverished peoples, Aras said: “The interests of states and international institutions are seen as more important than human life. Trade routes and economic gains are discussed, while lost lives and murdered women and children are ignored. International human rights organizations have long been ineffective in the face of these crimes. This silence deepens the massacres. Institutions that should intervene at the moment massacres occur remain silent and abandon the victims of war to their fate.”
The real target is the organization of peoples
DEM Party executive Güliz Kaya pointed out that attacks on Kurdish-majority neighborhoods in Syria have reached genocidal dimensions, stating, “Women and children are being specifically targeted. Because the way to dismantle societies is to break the will of resisting women.”
Emphasizing that the Kurdish people are resisting today just as they have in the past, Kaya stressed that this resistance must be supported.
Addressing the reasons why women are specifically targeted, Kaya continued: “There is a reality of a women’s revolution that has taken shape in North and East Syria. There is a reality of organized women who have established their own self-defense. They want to break this. That is their real fear. In the Middle East, women fighting for equality and freedom have formed a common line of resistance regardless of language, religion, or identity.”
Kaya also drew attention to the fact that the sensitivity shown toward attacks on Palestine is not shown when it comes to violations against Kurds, stating: “When it comes to Kurds and Kurdish women, unfortunately everyone turns a blind eye. Behind this silence lie nation-state mentalities and political fears. We have won before, and we will win again. We have no choice but to resist,” she said, emphasizing that the struggle will continue.