A Statement from Southall Black Sisters
The Rojava Women’s revolution in North East Syria has been a source of inspiration to feminists worldwide since its inception in 2012, with its project of radical gender equality, genuine grassroots democracy and multi-ethnic inclusivity in a war-torn area. It has not only survived but overcome the ISIS caliphate to make the world a safer place for themselves and for us.
It is currently facing the greatest challenge to its survival from the Islamist forces unleashed by the president of the Syrian Transitional Government (STG), Ahmed al-Sharaa who is using brute force to bring the autonomous administration under his remit with the covert support of the US and Turkey. The conduct of these forces bears striking similarities to the methods used by ISIS, including summary executions, intimidation of civilians, and destruction of civilian infrastructure. This has reinforced widespread concerns that ISIS-style ideology has effectively been re-embedded within the new governance structures.
Furthermore, STG militias have attacked a number of prisons which hold ISIS members and released them despite attempts by the Kurdish forces (SDF) to hold them at bay while the international coalition, consisting of US and European forces, have failed to intervene.
During its 47 years of existence, Southall Black Sisters has recognised and fought against the danger to women’s freedoms posed by religious fundamentalism.
We condemn these assaults and demand that the UK government:
The Kurdish women’s struggle for a different future is also our struggle. We are all facing a dangerous world in which there is an upward momentum of far-right, supremacist, nationalist, anti-democratic, illiberal forces. The Kurdish people are at the sharp end of it.
Let us recognise our commonality and stand up for the Kurdish people.
