As Kurds and their allies in the UK continue their diplomatic initiatives and public pressure efforts to protect Rojava’s status and end the siege of Kobane, a notable statement has also come from local authorities. Hackney Council Leader Caroline Woodley, Enfield Council leader Ergin Erbil and Haringey Council Leader Peray Ahmet drafted a joint letter addressed to the Labour government, of which they are members.
We have a responsibility towards the Kurdish people
The council leaders emphasized that they bear responsibility toward the Kurdish community living in their boroughs and clearly condemned the ongoing violence in Syria and the attacks targeting the Kurdish people in North and East Syria.
The letter highlighted that more than 155,000 civilians have been displaced due to recent military operations in Rojava and Syria, and stated that despite a ceasefire agreement, clashes have resumed and serious human rights violations continue.
Pointing out that the Kurdish people, who stood on the front lines in the fight against ISIS and paid a heavy price, are once again under threat, the council leaders called on the UK Government to take a clear stance.
Four demands to the government
The demands conveyed to the government by Woodley, Erbil and Ahmet were listed as follows:
-Support the protection of Kurdish identity and all minority communities in Syria.
-Publicly condemn human rights violations and commit to supporting peace. Support negotiations to end the violence and ensure the establishment of concrete protection mechanisms for civilians.
-Support independent monitoring mechanisms that document human rights violations and oversee ceasefire arrangements.
Charalambous: Power vacuum could allow ISIS-like extremist forces to reappear
Meanwhile, Labour MP Bambos Charalambous met with Britain’s Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer to discuss safeguarding Rojava and securing its status.
In a statement about the meeting, Charalambous said he conveyed the situation in Rojava, particularly in Kobane, to Minister Falconer and stressed that urgent steps must be taken to protect the Kurdish people.
Recalling ISIS and similar jihadist attacks carried out in London and Manchester, Charalambous warned: “A power vacuum is emerging that could allow ISIS-like extremist forces to reappear. We have seen in Manchester and London what happens when extremism grows unchecked. Therefore, protection, accountability and inclusive governance are not options—they are necessities. I have shared these concerns directly with Mr. Falconer and will continue to do so. The Kurdish people have friends in Parliament, and we will continue our lobbying efforts.”
Rojava meeting with health secretary needed
Dr. Mohamed Moustafa, UK Representative of the Syrian Democratic Council (MSD), also met with Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, as well as MPs and members of the House of Lords, to brief them on the attacks against Rojava and the siege of Kobane.
Dr. Moustafa drew particular attention to the humanitarian situation in Kobane and called on the government to take action to open a humanitarian corridor in the face of jihadist militias. During the meetings, it was emphasized that the British government should adopt an approach that protects the Kurdish people along with all diverse identities and take concrete steps against jihadist groups.
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