Today, during its session held in Strasbourg, France, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) addressed the attacks targeting Rojava. Following the debates, Draft Resolution No. 2642 (2026), entitled “Political crisis in the Middle East: the need to protect human rights and the rights of all minority groups,” was adopted by a majority vote.
Speaking on the draft resolution, Emmanuel Fernandes, spokesperson for the French UEL Group, said that, over the past two weeks, Rojava and the political project it represents have been subjected to an unprecedented military assault by the Syrian government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammad al-Jolani). Fernandes stressed that this constitutes a serious threat to the rights of the Kurdish people as well as of ethnic and religious minorities.
Fernandes underlined that the Autonomous Administration of Rojava and North-East Syria offers a democratic, non-centralized alternative that gives women and minorities a central role, and noted that violence has escalated following the suspension of negotiations. He stated that Kobanê is under siege, that water, electricity and communication lines have been cut, and that more than 250,000 civilians are at risk, calling for the urgent opening of humanitarian corridors.
Annika Strandhäll of the Swedish Social Democratic Party emphasized that crimes committed in Syria must not go unpunished, stating that attacks against Druze and Alawite communities clearly demonstrate the dangers faced by minorities. She added that any potential political transition must be inclusive and subject to international oversight.
DEM Party MP Berdan Öztürk said that the situation in Rojava represents a direct challenge to Europe’s claims regarding human rights, democracy and the rule of law. “Defending Rojava means defending a free, egalitarian and democratic way of life,” Öztürk said.
Georges Louciades of the Cypriot UEL Group pointed out that developments in north-eastern Syria have led to a serious humanitarian crisis, stressing that no financial or military support should be provided to jihadist groups. Louciades warned that Kobanê is once again under siege and that attacks on civilian infrastructure could amount to war crimes.
DEM Party MP Sevilay Çelenk recalled the attacks carried out in the past by ISIS in Europe and the region, stating that Kurds and the Syrian Democratic Forces stopped this threat at great cost. She said that today’s silence amounts to denying this reality.
Azadeh Rojhan of the Swedish Social Democratic Party called for an end to attacks by Syrian government-controlled forces against Kurds and minorities, for an immediate ceasefire, and for the resumption of political dialogue. “Silence is not neutrality, it is indifference,” Rojhan said.
The resolution adopted by PACE highlights calls for the protection of human rights, the safety of minorities, and the launch of an inclusive, democratic solution process in Syria.
Resolution adopted by majority vote
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted Resolution No. 2642 (2026), entitled “Political crisis in the Middle East: the need to protect human rights and the rights of all minority groups,” following a vote.
The resolution text adopted by PACE includes the following points:
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Since the fall of the Assad regime, outbreaks of violence in certain parts of Syria have highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of minority communities in areas where control has shifted, institutional safeguards are weak, and accountability is limited. The Assembly is appalled by reports of unlawful and extrajudicial executions targeting civilians belonging to religious and ethnic minorities such as Christians, Alawites and Druze, as well as forced displacement, intimidation, and the destruction of cultural and religious heritage. The Assembly stresses the urgent need to ensure the effective protection of all segments of Syrian society and their full inclusion in the country’s political transition process.
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Recent developments in north-eastern Syria, particularly in areas with a high concentration of Kurdish population, have once again revealed the fragility of existing security and governance arrangements. The escalation of violence between the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces has led to serious humanitarian and protection concerns for Kurdish communities and increased risks for other ethnic and religious minorities in the region.
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The Assembly expresses concern over reports from Kurdish authorities that more than 150,000 people have been displaced due to recent military tensions. Reports of the release of ISIS detainees who have carried out indiscriminate attacks against Kurdish communities have further intensified fears of a resurgence of extremism, repression and large-scale displacement.
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The Assembly expresses deep concern that Kobanê, which was first liberated from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) in 2015, is now, 11 years later, under siege by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham/ISIS elements; condemns the shelling of civilian areas with long-range artillery and the embargo on water and electricity for heating purposes, which may constitute war crimes; and calls for the immediate opening of the Mürşitpınar border crossing, controlled by Turkey, to facilitate urgent humanitarian aid and prevent a catastrophe.
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In this context, the Assembly calls for urgent action to intensify diplomatic efforts to respond to humanitarian needs in the country, prevent further military escalation, protect civilians, and prevent the normalization of violence against minorities.
Regarding the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, the Assembly:
19.1. expresses serious concern over the security of Kurdish communities and Christian, Alawite and Druze minorities in the country;
19.2. calls for urgent international accountability, including consideration by Council of Europe member states of targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for violations;
19.3. calls for respect for the ceasefire agreement, the continuation of dialogue, and an end to violence;
19.4. emphasizes the need to increase diplomatic efforts with allies to prevent further military escalation and protect the civilian population;
19.5. calls for the assurance and adequate resourcing of unhindered humanitarian access both within Syria and across borders;
19.6. supports efforts toward an inclusive political transition that guarantees rights and protection for all communities and benefits all Syrians, and welcomes the Syrian Government’s commitments to inclusive, representative governance in the search for a safe future for Syria.