Subject: Urgent Appeal for International Support: Recognition and Protection of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (Rojava)
Urgent Appeal for International Support: Recognition and Protection of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (Rojava)
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (Rojava) represents a bastion of democratic governance, inclusivity, and resilience in a region fraught with instability. Governed predominantly by Kurdish-led forces, particularly the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Rojava has been a critical ally in the global fight against extremism, including the significant defeat of #ISIS# . Despite these contributions, the region faces existential threats from extremist groups and external aggression, necessitating immediate international intervention and recognition.
Contributions of Rojava to Global Security
The Kurdish-led SDF has been instrumental in combating and defeating ISIS, a group that once posed a global threat. Their sacrifices, with over 12,000 lives lost, have ensured the safety and security of not only the region but also the broader international community. This effort has dismantled ISIS’s territorial claims, disrupted their operations, and safeguarded countless civilians.
However, ISIS activity has begun to resurge. The group’s militants have reportedly seized weapons abandoned by the Syrian regime and are attempting to break into SDF-run prisons holding approximately 10,000 ISIS fighters. This resurgence is compounded by reduced counterterrorism operations, as the SDF has been forced to divert resources to address threats from Turkey and its proxies.
Threats to Stability
Turkey’s military operations, drone strikes, and support for groups like the Syrian National Army (SNA) and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) directly threaten the stability and survival of Rojava. These actions risk undoing the progress made against ISIS, displacing populations, and creating a humanitarian crisis. The Turkish government’s goal of establishing a 30km buffer zone within Syrian territory undermines Rojava’s autonomy and jeopardizes international security by enabling extremist regrouping.
Appeals for Action
To ensure the survival and success of Rojava’s administration, we urge the international community to take the following actions:
Formal Recognition of Rojava: Officially recognize the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria as a legitimate governing entity. Recognition would solidify its political and diplomatic standing and support its democratic governance.
Implementation of a No-Fly Zone: Establish a no-fly zone over Rojava to prevent Turkish aerial attacks and safeguard civilians and leadership from targeted strikes.
Increased Humanitarian and Security Support: Provide direct aid to strengthen governance and ensure the security and wellbeing of the region’s population.
Accountability for Human Rights Violations: Investigate and address abuses committed by HTS, SNA, and other actors. Ensuring justice for war crimes will help establish long-term peace and stability.
Restoration of Kurdish Communities: Support the return of displaced Kurds to their homes in cities such as Afrin, Aleppo, Sarekaniye, and Girespi. This is essential for restoring community integrity and fostering regional stability.
International Border Monitoring: Deploy coalition forces to monitor and secure the Syria-Turkey border to prevent Turkish aggression and extremist activity. This measure would inhibit the reemergence of ISIS and ensure regional security.
Strategic and Moral Imperative
The recognition and protection of Rojava is both a moral and strategic necessity. Rojava serves as a bulwark against extremism, a model of democratic governance, and a stabilizing force in the region. Supporting Rojava aligns with international goals of peace and security and demonstrates a commitment to allies who have fought alongside the global community against terrorism.
The Kurdish people and their allies in Rojava have endured immense sacrifices in pursuit of freedom and stability. It is now incumbent upon the international community to honor these sacrifices by providing the recognition, protection, and support necessary to sustain this vital administration.
Immediate action is essential to prevent further destabilization and to ensure that Rojava remains a beacon of hope and resilience in the Middle East.[1]