More than 200 personalities and organizations from Southern Kurdistan (Northern Iraq) have launched an initiative for Kurdish unity. The project, introduced under the name “National Consensus,” was presented in a joint statement and is addressed to political forces and society across all parts of Kurdistan.
Among the signatories are writers, journalists, activists, former Peshmerga fighters, lawyers, human rights defenders, academics, as well as former parliamentarians such as Munira Osman and Shamam Shawki. Supporters also include former Swedish MP Rebwar Hassan, the organization Azadbûn, and the Kurdish Choir of France.
Unity as a historical necessity
The statement emphasizes that recent developments, particularly the dynamics in Rojhilat, send a clear signal to all political parties. “The recent activities of the Kurds show that our society is alive and looks beyond narrow interests,” it states. As the common motto of the initiative, the slogan “Yek e yek e yek e, gelê Kurd yek e” (“One, one, one – the Kurdish people are one”) is highlighted.
The project is presented as an effort to establish a “national consensus” and to bring the Kurdish question more strongly onto the international political stage. At the same time, it is stressed that current developments in the Middle East place a historical responsibility before the Kurds.
Lessons from Rojava
The initiative particularly emphasizes the role of Rojava, saying that the experiences there have shown that attacks and political “plots” can only be countered through unity. At the same time, it says, an opportunity has emerged to move the Kurdish question beyond a purely regional context and to integrate it more strongly into international diplomatic processes. The initiative is also presented as a response to ongoing instability in the region and the policies of nation-states in Kurdistan.
Six points for a common strategy
Within the framework of the project, a concrete roadmap with six key points was introduced. These include developing a shared national discourse based on rights and coexistence; overcoming party-political conflicts and narrow ideological approaches; aligning political work with common national interests; establishing a national analysis center for developments in the Middle East; creating a joint committee for diplomacy and international relations; and coordinated planning in dealing with political, economic, and security crises.
Historic opportunity or another failure
The initiative presents itself not only as a political call but as an expression of a “living national conscience.” In light of possible geopolitical shifts, it says, the Kurdish people face a fundamental decision: “The Kurds face two options: either they unite and achieve their rights, or they once again miss a historic opportunity.”
In this context, the initiative calls for setting aside ideological and party-political differences in favor of common interests. “All higher interests must stand above ideologies,” the statement says. At the same time, a clear appeal is directed at all political forces to “gather at a common national table” and develop a shared strategy. Especially in light of growing dynamics in Rojhilat, such unity could significantly strengthen the political agency and international visibility of the Kurds, according to the initiative.
Leave a Reply