2024: Nov wk1 -- Oct wk4 -- Oct wk3P2 -- Oct wk3 -- Oct wk2 -- Oct wk1 --
Click here for an overview of the Women's Arab Spring Revolt 1.2 2024 and 2023

 When one hurts or kills a women
one hurts or kills hummanity and is an antrocitie.
Gino d'Artali
and: My mother (1931-1997) always said to me <Mi figlio, non esistono notizie <vecchie> perche puoi imparare qualcosa da qualsiasi notizia.> Translated: <My son, there is no such thing as so called 'old' news because you can learn something from any news.>
Gianna d'Artali.

Over 3.2 million of the displaced girls
Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 31, 2024
<<'Over 3.2 million of the displaced girls under 18 face threats of sexual violence'
Over 3.2 million of the displaced children girls under 18 in Sudan face particular threats of sexual violence, rape, or early or forced marriage, said Save the Children on Wednesday.
News Center- About 11 million people in Sudan (30% of the population) have been forced from their homes, including those displaced before and since the most recent conflict escalated in April 2023. New figures released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reveal over half of the 11 million displaced (5.8 million) are children under 18, and over one quarter (2.8 million) are children aged under five, showing the world's largest displacement crisis is rapidly deteriorating for children. "These small children are uniquely vulnerable, and while displaced many will miss out on early childhood essentials, including vaccinations, clean water, healthcare, nutritious food, and shelter from extreme heat and cold," Save the Children said in a statement on Wednesday.
More than 2.8 million babies, toddlers and preschoolers are now displaced across Sudan, Save the Children added. "While about half of these children are now living in host communities, the remaining half are living in desperate conditions, with 18% in displacement camps, 16% in informal settlements or out in the open, and 9% in cramped schools or other public buildings. Many of these children are sharing their space with adults they don't know, and have limited or no access to water and sanitation."
'Girls are particularly at risk'
Girls are particularly at risk, with over 3.2 million of the displaced children girls under 18, who face particular threats of sexual violence, rape, or early or forced marriage, read the statement. "Babies, toddlers, preschoolers - millions of the world's most vulnerable people are currently living in some of the world's worst conditions. The world has a duty of care for children and we are failing them," said Mohamed Abdiladif, Interim Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan. "The situation in Sudan is spiralling out of control and every day more and more lives are put at risk with killings, violence and displacement. This has become one of the world's most devastating humanitarian crises but the world is not taking notice. We are urgently calling on the international community to take meaningful and urgent political action to address this crisis, for an immediate ceasefire and progress towards a lasting peace agreement." >>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/over-3-2-million-of-the-displaced-girls-under-18-face-threats-of-sexual-violence-35908


Amara Psychological Counseling Center
Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 31, 2024 - by ZAYNEB ISA
<<Amara Psychological Counseling Center raises awareness
Amara Psychological Counseling Center in North and East Syria aims to raise awareness by holding activities so that women and children can identify and overcome the psychological problems they experience.
Qamishlo- Amara Psychological Counseling Center, affiliated to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) Women's Council, aims to raise awareness by holding courses, seminars and workshops so that women and children can identify and overcome the psychological problems experienced by them. The center has branches in Til Temir, Rimelan, Hasakah and Qamishlo. "The Amara Psychological Counseling Center provides psychological support to all people, especially women," said Maya Shabo, the director of the center. "Many women receive death threats and face all forms of violence. As the center, we try to find solutions to the problems by holding seminars, courses and workshops."
Women attending courses receive certificates
The center organizes courses and seminars for women working for institutions and women's organizations affiliated to the AANES. "We organize courses and seminars for women working for institutions and women's organizations affiliated to the AANES in coordination with NGOs and women's organizations. We also organize awareness-raising seminars for children. In recent years, many children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder. We organize activities to help children feel better and express themselves more comfortably. At the end of courses and seminars, women and children receive certificates."
180 awareness-raising seminars in one year
The center has organized 180 awareness-raising seminars since the beginning of 2024, Maya Shabo told us, adding: "The seminars were about women's self-defense, the reasons for gender-based violence, psychological problems in society, sexual harassment, the risks of using drugs and child marriage. The center has also provided special training programs with the participation of 11 people. We also held awareness-raising activities to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the coming days, we will organize seminars on the importance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women."
'We have new plans and projects for women and society'
Maya Shabo called for participation in their activities. "The door of the Amara Center is open to all women. We have new plans and projects for women and society in 2025. We aim to provide more educational seminars for women, especially women living in camps. Because we know that women living in camps face many challenges. I want to tell all women that they should have self-confidence and believe that they can improve themselves with their own strength. As the Amara Psychological Counseling Center, I would like to say that our door is open to all women and that we can produce solutions to all the problems experienced by women and overcome their problems together." >>
Source incl. video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/amara-psychological-counseling-center-raises-awareness-35907

Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 31, 2024 - by HADEEL AL-OMAR
<<'Join us and do not remain silent' say human rights defenders receiving threats in Idlib
Women struggling for their rights and freedoms in Idlib face oppression, obstruction and threats. <Despite everything, we will never take a step back from our struggle," they say, calling on people to join them.
Idlib- Women and girls are subjected to all forms of violence in the city of Idlib, controlled by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The members of the HTS and the Turkish forces restrict women's rights and freedoms in all facets of life spreading hate speech against women by using religion. Despite everything, women in the city keep struggling for their rights and freedoms. However, they face oppression, obstruction and threats.
'They think women go to extremes'
Activist Amina Al-Nur is one of the women struggling for women's rights in the region. She makes great efforts to support women, especially displaced women. <Many men underestimate the role of women. They believe that women should only stay at home. The conservative environment and some traditions are obstacles for women,> Amina al-Nur told NuJINHA, stressing that many women participating in public life face difficulties due to gender roles and some strict rules. "Men in our society think women go to extremes when women talk about their rights to participate in public and political life. Women struggling for their rights face threats. Some women activists receive threats from armed groups."
'Threats will not make me step back'
"I have received many threats because I defend women's rights," said activist Rana Junaid. "But threats will not make me step back. Since we are prevented from holding public meetings, we hold virtual workshops to educate women about their rights. Now, we use technology as a tool to convey our message and reach more women." Rana Junaid pointed to the clashes and attacks in Idlib and that "Women activists face challenges to work freely. So, they use the internet to reach more women."
'We always try to find alternative solutions'
Activist Samira Dahlan works to educate women about their political and legal rights. However, she has received many threats many times. "Despite everything, I keep working for women’s rights. I call on everyone to join us and do not remain silent. Many men believe that women are not capable of holding decision-making positions. As women, we prove every day that we are capable of holding decision-making positions. Local leaders refuse to allow women to hold decision-making positions and try to prevent women. Despite everything, we always try to find alternative solutions." >>
Source:
https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/join-us-and-do-not-remain-silent-say-human-rights-defenders-receiving-threats-in-idlib-35906

France24 - Oct. 30, 2024
<<'The Strangers' Case': A searing account of refugee exodus from Syria
It's been described as a searing account of the refugee exodus sparked by the Arab Spring and ensuing Syrian civil war. 'The Strangers' Case' is a new film that follows a series of characters, most notably a Syrian doctor and her young daughter who decide to flee their homeland. The characters come together to illustrate the devastating consequences of war. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year and stars French superstar actor Omar Sy, among others. Brandt Andersen, an activist, writer and the film's director, joined us on Perspective to tell us more about it.>>
View the interview here:
https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/perspective/20241029-the-strangers-case-a-searing-account-of-refugee-exodus-from-syria

Medyanews - October 30, 2024
<<PKK's Duran Kalkan calls for democratic republic rooted in Kurdish, women's rights
Duran Kalkan of the PKK proposes a democratic republic built on Kurdish and women's freedoms, criticising Turkish policies in Kurdish territories and warning of a worsening crisis. Duran Kalkan, member of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) Executive Committee, has called for a democratic republic grounded in Kurdish and women's rights, warning that Turkey's current trajectory will worsen without this foundation. Speaking on Medya Haber TV on Tuesday, Kalkan addressed recent discussions following a family visit to Abdullah Ocalan after a 43-month communication gap, emphasising the need for genuine conditions to resolve the Kurdish issue. "The rights of the Kurds must be recognised. Only a democracy that embraces Kurdish freedom and women's rights can stand as an alternative to this monopoly-driven system," he stated. Kalkan argued that Turkey, without such a transformation, faces ongoing crises, saying, "They will not survive by deceiving themselves with excuses." Kalkan also urged Turkish intellectuals, writers, and politicians to support the Kurdish reality, highlighting that "Turkey must appreciate the 1,000-year-long Kurdish support" if it is to build a truly democratic republic. He linked this vision to the centenary of the Turkish Republic, arguing that it should honour a legacy of equality and freedom for both Turks and Kurds. Addressing Turkey's recent actions in Kurdish areas across North and East Syria (Rojava), Sinjar (Şengal) and Iraqi Kurdistan, Kalkan criticised Ankara's military interventions. He described these as part of a broader strategy to undermine Kurdish autonomy and called on Kurdish groups to understand the intent behind the PKK's actions in Turkey and abroad.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/pkk-leader-calls-for-democratic-republic-rooted-in-kurdish-womens-rights/

Medyanews - October 30, 2024
<<Former Kurdish MP proposes democratic model for peaceful coexistence in Middle East
Hişyar Ozsoy advocates Abdullah Ocalan's Democratic Confederalism as a model for coexistence in the Middle East, urging inclusive, peaceful governance to counter escalating nationalist tensions. The Democratic Confederalism model, proposed by Abdullah Ocalan, is a potential path for peaceful coexistence in the conflict-ridden Middle East, Hişyar Ozsoy, a former MP for Turkey's Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), suggested in a recent interview with Ozgür Politika's Barış Balseçer. Emphasising the need for societies to explore non-violent, democratic forms of coexistence, Ozsoy warned that nationalist and divisive ideologies threaten to deepen regional hostilities. "We need models for living together," Ozsoy said, describing Democratic Confederalism as a framework that promotes reduced hierarchies, democratic governance and an end to inter-communal violence. While he acknowledged the model's utopian aspects, he underscored its potential to foster mutual respect in deeply polarised societies. "It's not about loving each other," he added, "but about creating societies where people coexist without violence, dominance or imposed agendas."
Ozsoy observed that Kurdish communities, through their experiences and struggles, have opened this debate, despite resistance from nationalist and militaristic rhetoric that often drowns out such voices. He expressed hope that the region's current challenges will encourage a stronger push toward peaceful coexistence.
Israel-Palestine conflict may heighten hostility toward Kurds
Ozsoy also warned that the Israel-Palestine conflict could escalate hostilities toward Kurds, especially as nationalist fervour rises across the Middle East. He noted that Kurdish organisations must remain vigilant, considering both the risks and the opportunities for autonomy within the turmoil.
EU and Council of Europe fall short in pushing for Turkish democracy
Turning to the role of international organisations, Ozsoy critiqued the European Union and the Council of Europe for their leniency towards Turkey's democratic backsliding, citing economic and security interests. "The EU and NATO prioritise Turkey's strategic alignment over pressing it to restore democracy and human rights," he said, pointing out the EU's deep economic integration with Turkey, even as political relationships remain strained.
Ozsoy argued that meaningful change in Turkey would likely stem from internal dynamics rather than external pressure, adding, "Western nations may voice concern, but without local momentum for change, their involvement remains limited." >>
Source: https://medyanews.net/former-kurdish-mp-proposes-democratic-model-for-peaceful-coexistence-in-middle-east/


Turkey escalates strikes
Medyanews - October 30, 2024
<<Turkey escalates strikes on AANES areas amid war crime accusations
Turkey's intensifying airstrikes on Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) regions have destroyed essential infrastructure and left thousands without power or resources, raising international alarm. Rights groups accuse Turkey of committing war crimes against civilians.
Turkey has intensified airstrikes on key urban centres in regions governed by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), including Kobani (Kobane), Qamishli (Qamişlo), and Tirbespi, targeting critical infrastructure including power stations, oil fields, and food storage facilities. The strikes have left tens of thousands of civilians without electricity, fuel, and essential services, pushing millions already facing hardship closer to a humanitarian catastrophe, local non-profit organisations reported. According to the AANES and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) officials, Turkish forces are systematically attacking essential civilian resources to destabilise AANES-controlled regions and subjugate Kurdish-held areas. Recent airstrikes have hit at least five power stations, leading to widespread blackouts, and repeatedly targeted oil and gas facilities crucial for heating, cooking, and transportation. These attacks have disrupted access to essential resources, causing food and fuel prices to soar as supplies dwindle. Humanitarian organisations warn that continued targeting of food warehouses, water facilities, and other infrastructure could trigger a full-scale humanitarian disaster, especially with winter fast approaching. The latest Turkish offensive has drawn condemnation from human rights organisations and AANES leaders, who claim these strikes violate international law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit targeting civilian infrastructure and non-combatants. Rights groups allege that Turkey's attacks are calculated actions intended to instil fear and suffering among civilians, with deliberate strikes on resources essential for survival. They are calling for immediate international scrutiny and intervention to prevent further loss of life and to hold Turkey accountable. Local authorities emphasise that Turkey's airstrikes have a severe impact on basic living conditions, with critical infrastructure repeatedly disabled. Civilian casualties are rising, and essential resources are in perilously short supply. In response, AANES officials are urging the international community to pressure Turkey to halt the attacks and allow for the restoration of critical services in the affected areas. They warn that if left unchecked, the current escalation could plunge the region into further instability and suffering.
The latest strikes continue a pattern of Turkish offensives in the region, following large-scale air campaigns in December and January, which also targeted power stations, grain silos, and mills. These operations have left millions enduring power cuts, fuel shortages, and limited access to essentials. Local humanitarian groups and regional leaders are sounding the alarm over the severe consequences of Turkey's ongoing attacks, urging immediate global intervention to protect civilians and avert a worsening humanitarian crisis.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/turkey-escalates-strikes-on-aanes-areas-amid-war-crime-accusations/


Protests sweep
Medyanews - October 29, 2024
<<Protests sweep autonomous northeast Syria against Turkish bombardments
On Monday, thousands of residents mobilised for demonstrations in cities across the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) to protest against the Turkish military attacks carried out since 23 October in administration-controlled territories. Demonstrators denounced the attacks and reiterated their commitment to continued resistance. Turkey's renewed shelling of AANES territory resulted in tens of deaths, injured many more and caused heavy material damage to vital infrastructure. Civilians took to the streets to raise their voices against these attacks and the Turkish state’s strategy of annihilation, which has targeted vital services leaving millions of people without water and electricity. Demonstrations were held in the major cities of Qamıshli (Qamişlo) and Kobani (Kobane), as well as in Al-Hawl (Hol), Shadadah (Şedade) and Tal Hamis (Til Hemise). The demonstrations were organised by the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM), Kongra Star and the Social Defence Forces (HPC). Youth, women and elderly people took part in the marches. With slogans, banners and speeches, the people condemned the attacks of Turkey and remembered the victims of the Turkish attacks. "In order to prevent the development of the model of autonomous administration in northeast Syria, the Turkish state has established cooperation with terror gangs and is attacking the whole area in this way," Hikmet Hebib, co-chair of the AANES People's Parliament, said during his speech in Qamıshli. "We say to the whole world that we will continue our struggle, we will never be afraid of the Turkish state, with our struggle we will prevent the invading attacks," said Zelal Eli, the leader of a local Kongra Star Parliament, during the demonstration in Kobani. The street protests followed a statement shared by Mazloum Abdi, the general commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who called on the people to defend northern Syria against Turkish attacks, which he said aim to destabilise the region and dismantle its autonomy.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/protests-sweep-autonomous-northeast-syria-against-turkish-bombardments/


Fear of stigma
Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 28, 2024 - by IHLAS HAMRUNI
<<Fear of stigma keeps women from telling their stories
Tunisian female journalists say that fear of stigma and retribution keeps women from telling their stories and that women need to be encouraged to tell their stories.
Tunisia- Difficult living conditions and the patriarchal mindset that affects society prevent women from telling their problems and seek solutions through the media. Due to this situation, journalists face difficulties in reporting women's issues. Women living in rural areas of Tunisia suffer from both difficult living conditions due to male dominated social structure, restricting women’s freedom and leading to the increase in violence against women. This situation also prevents women journalists from addressing women’s issues. Women journalists in Tunisia think that women's issues should be brought to the agenda of the country and that women should be encouraged to tell their stories.
'Women cannot openly talk about their problems'
Manal Baltayeh, a journalist based in Tunisia's Kasserine Governorate, told us that she faced many problems whenever she tried to shed light on women's issues, especially gender-based violence. "We face difficulties in accessing accurate information. We cannot find sufficient data on certain issues or cases related to gender-based violence." Indicating that many women do not want to speak to them, Manal Baltayeh said, "Whenever we want to report on women’s issues such as gender-based violence, women’s participation in the labor force or politics or women's rights, women refrain from expressing their opinions, thoughts, or making their voice heard and defending their rights even though they are sometimes aware of the importance of the media in raising their voices."
'They are afraid of being subjected to violence again'
Speaking about the reason for women's refusal to express their thoughts, Manal Baltayeh said, "Women in southern or central Tunisia live in a patriarchal society that does not allow them to appear in the media. Therefore, women cannot openly talk about the problems faced by them. They are afraid of being subjected to violence again if they talk about their problems. They keep silent because they are afraid of their husbands, fathers or brothers." >>
Source incl. video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/fear-of-stigma-keeps-women-from-telling-their-stories-35901?page=1 

Medyanews - October 28, 2024
<<Swiss MP urges full end to Ocalan's isolation after recent family visit
Swiss Federal Parliament Member Laurence Fehlmann Rielle calls for Ocalan's access to lawyers and highlights his potential to influence peace negotiations in Turkey following a family visit after 43 months.
A message from imprisoned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, relayed by his nephew, pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party MP Ömer Öcalan, has reignited calls for a peaceful resolution to the Turkish-Kurdish conflict. The family visit comes after 43 months of incommunicado detention and has sparked reactions from politicians around the world.
In his message, Abdullah Ocalan stated that "The isolation continues. If the conditions are right, I have the theoretical and practical power to move this process from the grounds of conflict and violence to the legal and political grounds," signalling his willingness to play an active role in resolving the Kurdish question through non-violent means.
Swiss Federal Parliament Member Laurence Fehlmann Rielle has reacted to the latest message from imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, highlighting Ocalan's significant influence in peace negotiations in Turkey and asserting that more meetings, especially with his lawyers, should follow the initial family visit. In an interview with Serkan Demirel, Swiss MP Fehlmann Rielle explained that the family visit took place during a time of a "tense current situation in the world", which she noted could be a "source of instability for Turkey". Acknowledging that this family visit was an important step, she remained cautious, emphasising that “we’ll have to see if there's a follow-up to these initial meetings and if anything positive can come out of them." Commenting on ongoing Turkish military attacks against the Kurdish population, she said that these attacks, "carried out to intimidate the Kurdish population," have become a dead end for President Erdogan's policies. She suggested that this situation may prompt Erdoğan to seek "a little more informed advice" from Ocalan. "We know that Turkey is carrying out military incursions into both Syria and Iraq," Fehlmann Rielle continued, adding that the Turkish-Kurdish conflict has "lasted too long and benefits neither the Turkish nor the Kurdish people." She also highlighted the ongoing peace efforts of the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (AANES), whose representatives are "trying to build a more balanced and egalitarian society" and, despite continued Turkish attacks, are "establishing peaceful zones and not arming the conflict."
"Protesting for Ocalan means protesting in favour of autonomy for the Kurdish people," the Swiss MP emphasised, calling on the Kurdish diaspora and international supporters in Europe to continue the campaign for the freedom of Abdullah Ocalan. More than 100 civil society activists in Iran have signed a statement declaring the start of a hunger strike on Saturday in solidarity with political prisoner Warisheh Moradi.

Varisha Moradi
According to the statement, which was circulated by the Free Women's Society of East Kurdistan (KJAR), the activists aim to show support for Moradi’s struggle for human rights. It is not yet clear how long the solidarity hunger strike will last. Moradi "has voiced her opposition to injustice, inequality and the increasingly unjust death sentences by starting an indefinite hunger strike," the statement acknowledged. However, the signatories also called for an end to the strike due to Moradi’s deteriorating health, as reported by the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) on 24 October. Moradi's hunger strike, which began on 10 October, is now in its 18th day. The more than 100 signatories of the statement, who identify themselves as “a group of activists allied with all freedom-loving forces", announced that their own hunger strike began on 26 October in solidarity with Warisheh Moradi's action. "Civil resistance requires strength, endurance and perseverance, as this struggle is long and challenging," the activists stressed, calling for the involvement of the entire civil society in the resistance against the Iranian regime's inhumane sentences. Another hunger strike initiative in solidarity with Moradi is taking place in Sweden. A three-day hunger strike organised by the local KJAR committee aims to raise awareness of Moradi's critical condition and to protest against the issuing and execution of death sentences in Iran. The mother of executed political prisoner Ramin Hossein Panahi also expressed her solidarity with Moradi, stating, "Your courage and resilience are inspiring, but your health is more important to us." In her message, she urged Moradi to end her hunger strike due to her deteriorating health. Mother Sharifeh also announced she would participate in a symbolic one-day hunger strike alongside other civil rights activists to show support. Warisheh Moradi is currently held in Evin Women's Prison in Tehran. She announced the start of her hunger strike on 10 October with a letter expressing her intention to draw attention to the "domestic killings and daily executions carried out under the guise of political Islam".
A letter from Evin: Warisheh Moradi declares 'indefinite hunger strike' against Iran's death penalty
In a related development, since the beginning of the hunger strike, the Iranian state has sentenced Moradi and other political prisoners-
 
Pakhshan Azizi - Narges Mohammadi
Pakhshan Azizi, Narges Mohammadi, and Mehbube Razayi-to additional six-month prison terms for "disobeying orders". Pariwash Moslem received a three-month sentence for <endangering prison security>. Kurds across Europe have taken to the streets to protest Turkey's ongoing airstrikes in North and East Syria, condemning the attacks on civilian areas and denouncing the isolation of imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan. Rallies took place on Saturday in major cities across France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, with organisers calling on European governments to end any complicity in Turkey's actions and protect the region’s Kurdish-led administration. The Nantes Democratic Kurdish Community Center (CDK-N) led a march in Nantes, France in which protesters carried banners reading "The Turkish state commits massacres in Rojava" and "End isolation, end fascism". İsmail Erzingan of the CDK-N criticised Turkey's policies, saying, "The Turkish state claims to seek a solution to the Kurdish issue but intensifies attacks on Rojava, South Kurdistan, and Medya Defence Zones. Women and children are being killed, and civilian areas bombed. We must resist these games and strengthen our struggle." Hundreds of Kurdish demonstrators in Paris echoed similar sentiments, marching from Gare de l'Est to Republique Square, where Kurdish Democratic Council in France (CDK-F) co-chairs urged European nations not to support Turkey's actions. "Wherever we are, we will resist this misogynistic mentality," said Berivan Fırat, CDK-F's spokesperson, calling on allies to join a mass march in Cologne on 16 November to advocate for Ocalan's freedom and Kurdish autonomy. In Germany, protests continued in Munich and Kiel, where demonstrators emphasised solidarity with Rojava, denouncing what they described as Turkey's hypocrisy in condemning violence in Gaza while targeting civilian sites in Syria. "Turkey's strikes on hospitals, bakeries, and water depots expose the double standard," said a statement from the Defend Kurdistan Kiel Initiative, as participants called for mobilisation in Cologne. The protests extended to the Netherlands, where Kurds gathered outside the Dutch Parliament in The Hague, and in Italy's Milan, where union and civil society groups united under the banner "No to war, peace now." Participants held banners and posters of Ocalan and Kurdish-led People's Defence Units' (YPG) flags, demanding an end to Turkish strikes and calling for solidarity with Rojava's democratic and ecological model. Organisers across Europe encouraged supporters to join the upcoming demonstration in Cologne on 16 November, emphasising their resolve to resist attacks on Kurdish identity and autonomy. The demonstration, organised by the European Kurdish Democratic Societies Congress (KCDK-E), is expected to be joined by thousands of demonstrators demanding the freedom of imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/kurds-across-europe-protest-turkish-attacks-on-north-and-east-syria/


Berivan Omer
Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 28, 2024 - by EBIR MUHEMED
<<'We will fight together against attacks'
Berivan Omer, Deputy Co-chair of the Local Government Council of the Jazira Canton says that people of North and East Syria will fight together against the intensified Turkish attacks.
Qamishlo- The Turkish state has intensified its attacks on North and East Syria since October 23, targeting civilian infrastructure, including health centers and power plants, and civilians, killing 14 civilians and three members of the Internal Security Forces and injuring 53 civilians and 12 members of the Internal Security Forces.
Attacks target civilian infrastructure
Recalling that the Turkish state targeted civilian infrastructure in its attacks last year, Berivan Omer, Deputy Co-chair of the Local Government Council of the Jazira Canton, said, "We have made great efforts to rebuild power plants and water facilities for a year. However, the new Turkish attacks have destroyed them again. Although the attacks continue, as the people of North and East Syria, we have the power to rebuild them; but we cannot bring back those who killed in the attacks."
'The attacks affect civilians'
The Turkish attacks are against civilians, posing a threat to the people of the region, Berivan Omer emphasized. "The Turkish state targets North and East Syria, aiming at annihilate the people of the region. The attacks affects civilians, facing difficulties in accessing basic needs such as water and power."
'We must strengthen our solidarity'
Berivan Omer called on the people of the region to "protect their own future. In recent years, we have faced many challenges but our solidarity will enable us to overcome these challenges. There are committees working for 24 hours to provide water, food and power to the people. The unity of our people will give us strength in this difficult period. Therefore, we must strengthen our solidarity. We will overcome these challenges by being in solidarity with each other." >>
Source incl. video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/we-will-fight-together-against-attacks-35898?page=1


Rihab Cebbu
Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 28, 2024 - by RUBARIN BEKIR
<<Campaign started by Women's Council for children continues
The campaign started by the Office of Child Protection, affiliated to the AANES Women's Council on August 21 to provide psychological, social and health support to children continues.
Shahba- The Office of Child Protection, affiliated to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria(AANES) Women's Council started a campaign on August 21 to provide psychological, social and health support to children in North and East Syria. The aim of the campaign that will last until November 19 aims to build a conscious society that will develop children's talents. The AANES passed the Child Protection Law in 2022, protecting children from all forms of oppression and violence during armed conflict.
Impact of war on children's rights
In an interview with NuJINHA, Rihab Cebbu, director of the Office of Child Protection, talked about the impact of war on children's rights, stressing that the 13-year Syrian crisis has deprived children of their rights. "During wars, children are subjected to all forms of violence. Therefore, urgent measures must be taken to protect children."
Cultural challenges and awareness-raising activities
Speaking about the traditions affecting society in the region, she said that these traditions had a negative impact on the protection of children's rights. "Such cultural challenges prevent children's voices from being heard. The Women's Council organizes various education activities to raise awareness about children's rights in society and promote the protection of children's rights. Children have the right to education; however, the ongoing Syrian crisis has deprived many children of their right to education." Rihab Cebbu also talked about the ongoing siege imposed by the Syrian government on Shehba. "This siege has great effects on children's education." The campaign aims to increase the number of kindergartens, provide support to working mothers and organize activities for children. As part of the campaign, informational brochures are distributed to raise awareness about children's rights in society. The members of the Women's Council regularly visit families and schools to monitor the situation of children. They also collect data on child labor and develop programs to reintegrate these children back into school. "Children are the fundamental building block in the construction of the future. The protection and education of children is a must to build a free and democratic society."
The council will keep organizing activities to protect children and raise awareness about children's rights in society. >>
Source incl. video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/campaign-started-by-women-s-council-for-children-continues-35897


Peace Mothers
Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 28, 2024 - by MEDINE MAMEDOGLU
<<Peace Mothers: Those who want peace must not be hypocrites
"More concrete steps should be taken to ensure peace. Those who want peace must not be hypocrites," said Peace Mothers, pointing to the ongoing attacks on North and East Syria.
Amed- Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Riha (Urfa) MP Omer Ocalan met Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan on Wednesday in the prison island of Imrali, first contact with Abdullah Ocalan on October 23, after 43 months. In his message, Abdullah Ocalan pointed out the ongoing isolation imposed on him and said, "If conditions are right, I have the theoretical and practical power to move this process from a ground of conflict and violence to a legal and political ground." Many NGOs, groups, initiatives and political parties have released statements supporting the message of Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan. The Peace Mothers Initiative is one of them.
In an interview with NuJINHA, the members of the Peace Mothers Initiative struggling for permanent social peace pointed to the ongoing Turkish attacks on North and East Syria and said, "Politicians talk about peace here (Turkiye) but they also bomb Rojava. What they have done is not peace. Those who want peace must not be hypocrites."
'Peace must be built on strong foundations'
"Social peace must be ensured immediately," said Meryem Turan, a member of the Peace Mothers Initiative, stressing that their demands were to stop the bloodshed and build an honorable peace. "For years, all we demand is peace. As the Peace Mothers Initiative, we demand steps to be taken for peace. Peace must be built on strong foundations. They (The Turkish government) should not aim to deceive the people as they did in 2013-2015 (Peace process). They ended the peace process but now they are talking about peace again. First of all, we want no one to die, the end of violations and the release of all political prisoners. Those who talk about peace should first declare a ceasefire. As mothers, we have already suffered a lot, paid the heaviest prices. Several days ago, we were beaten in Silopi for demanding peace. Despite everything, we, as mothers, still demand peace."
'What the people living in this region need the most is peace'
Calling on people to struggle in order to build peace, Meryem Turan said, "Not only Kurdish people but also Turkish people should take steps and talk about a new peace process. We do not want a process that deceives us and is not sincere. A process that we believe in and find sincere should be started. People are very tired of the ongoing crisis and chaos. What the people living in this region need the most is peace. We want peace not war."
'Violations in prisons must be ended'
"Those who talk about peace should first end war crimes and human rights violations," said Türkan Duman, another member of the Peace Mothers Initiative. "We can talk about peace when the isolation (imposed on Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan) is lifted, the political prisoners are released and justice is ensured." Turkan Duman demanded more sincere steps be taken to ensure peace. "Bahçeli talks about a new peace process; however, this process cannot be started only by him. He is the biggest enemy of the Kurds. Our people should only trust their own people not him. All we want is the end of this war, this bloodshed. We demand peace but we do not trust Erdogan and Bahçeli. After declaring a ceasefire, they should take more concrete steps. We demand a secure process that can be trusted."
'They bomb Rojava while talking about peace'
Turkan Duman called for the end of the attacks on North and East Syria. "First of all, society should talk about peace, not Erdogan or Bahçeli. Politicians talk about peace here (Turkiye) but they also bomb Rojava. What they have done is not peace. Those who want peace must not be hypocrites. Both Kurdish and Turkish people must struggle for an honorable peace. As mothers, all we demand is peace." >>
Source incl. video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/peace-mothers-those-who-want-peace-must-not-be-hypocrites-35896

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