We express our profound concern over the recent offensive that the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has suffered, with grievous attacks by the Syrian army and armed clashes that are causing loss of territory, as well as persecution and killings of civilians

The Kurdish people and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been key actors in the fight against jihadism and in the defence of a political project based on coexistence, gender equality, ethnic and religious pluralism, and democratic self-government in one of the most smitten regions in the world. This internationally recognised effort cannot be responded to with military repression or the denial of the collective political rights of the various minorities.

Faced with this unacceptable situation, Esquerra Republicana demands an immediate ceasefire, an end to military operations, and the effective protection of the civilian population in accordance with international humanitarian law. We call for the preservation of the AANES’ self-government, which has demonstrated through concrete actions its willingness and capacity to govern, in a stable and inclusive manner, a territory with a high level of ethnic diversity. We express our concern regarding the possible loss of control of the prisons where former DAESH members are detained, given that this situation could have serious consequences for regional stability and security. Likewise, we call on the international community, the United Nations, and the European Union to act decisively to put a stop to the violence and promote a political solution that recognises the rights of the Kurdish people and guarantees a just and lasting peace in the region.

Finally, we also denounce the passivity and lack of responsibility of the United States and the international coalition, which for years have counted on the support and sacrifice of the Kurdish people in the fight against DAESH, but which today turn a blind eye to the aggression that this territory is suffering, despite having the military deployed on the ground and able to act. This passivity is contributing to the instability of the region and sets the fragile democratic advances achieved at risk.

From Catalonia, we reassert our commitment to all peoples who fight for dignity, self-determination and democracy. Today, as ever, we stand in solidarity with the Kurdish people, maintaining that peace will only be possible through dialogue, respect for human rights and recognition of diversity.