YPJ Commander Rohilat Afrin attended a public meeting in the German city of Bonn, which saw strong participation from Kurds.
Speaking at the meeting, which began with a minute of silence, Rohilat Afrin gave a detailed account of the new political developments that have emerged as a result of the conflicts in Rojava and Syria. Beginning her speech by congratulating the participants on International Women’s Day, she stated:
“This meaningful day, which for the last hundred years has been associated with women’s struggle for freedom and democracy, has today become a symbol embraced by the whole world through the unique resistance of Kurdish women. These achievements have been made possible through the efforts of our martyrs and the philosophy of Leader Öcalan.”
“If today the world recognizes the identity and struggle of the Kurdish people, this did not come easily. It was won through heavy sacrifices and uninterrupted resistance,” said Rohilat Afrin. “The Rojava Revolution turned into an ideological uprising in 2011 and for 14 years has achieved major gains despite all attacks.”
Rohilat Afrin continued: “Our main priority is to ensure the dignified return of our people who were forcibly displaced, particularly to Afrin, Serekaniye and Shehba. In this context, our talks with the Damascus administration and other relevant forces are continuing.”
The YPJ commander noted that their talks with the new government are being conducted on the basis of protecting the gains of the Kurdish people and said: “Even if a hundred years pass, this people can only live freely on their own lands. This determination also applies to Serekaniye. As our people return to their lands, our struggle will grow even stronger. The people of Afrin have the power to restore their culture and their lands to their former glory within a year.”
Drawing attention to the Kurdish unity that has formed around the resistance in Rojava, Rohilat Afrin said: “For the first time in our history, all Kurds have become one voice and one heart around the gains of Rojava. This unity is the clearest expression of the will to protect our identity, our culture and our future.”
Stating that one of the most important issues on their agenda is the prisoners, Rohilat Afrin emphasized: “Until they are freed, our people will not find peace.”
Rohilat Afrin underlined that the status of the YPJ in the military integration process is special and non-negotiable for them. “Without guaranteeing women’s rights and achievements in Syria’s future, it is not possible to establish a just and democratic system. We are determined to secure official guarantees from the Syrian government for the legacy of our martyrs and for women’s identity,” she said.
“Our main duty is to protect and advance our achievements,” Rohilat Afrin continued: “In the nature of war, there can sometimes be progress and sometimes stagnation. We are not afraid of criticism; on the contrary, criticism helps us improve. We hide none of our shortcomings from our people. We have made mistakes, but the revolution and the struggle continue with determination. If we had not resisted these attacks, all our achievements could have been destroyed. That is why we continue to resist and struggle. No one should give credibility to the special psychological warfare and baseless propaganda being carried out.”
Rohilat Afrin called on everyone to ensure strong participation in this year’s Newroz celebration in Frankfurt, saying: “This year’s resistance and celebrations are far more different and meaningful than in previous years. I invite all our people to take part in this Newroz.”
The meeting ended with a question-and-answer session.
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