Women of NE Syria: Where is the peace celebrated by the world?

Women living in the Euphrates Region spoke to NuJINHA about the 1st September World Peace Day and drew attention to the silence of the countries observing the day although their region is under occupation.

BERÇEM CÛD

Kobanê- Countries of the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact member countries declared 1 September as World Peace Day, the start of World War II after Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. The United Nations General Assembly declared September 21 the International Day of Peace to be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace. World Peace Day or International Day of Peace has been celebrated on two different days every year all around the world dedicated to world peace.

On the World Peace Day, the women living in the Euphrates Region drew attention to the need to end the occupation in North and East Syria in order to talk about peace.

The Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM) Co-chair Hedle Hesen spoke about the ongoing war in North and East Syria. “We want to live here in peace for years; however, it is impossible due to the threats and agreements of the Turkish state and the hegemonic powers. Afrin, Serêkanî and Girê Spî were invaded in front of the countries observing World Peace Day. The countries recognizing this day do not recognize peace. In the occupation attacks, women and children are targeted. Children living in this region dream of a life in peace.”

“We are like refugees in our homeland”

Indicating that Afriin was invaded by the Turkish state in 2018 and that the people of Afrin are forced to live like refugees in their own homeland, Fîdan Omer said, “While this day should be celebrated with joy, we spend this day in Rojava Kurdistan amidst the sounds of artilleries and warplanes. Where is the peace celebrated by the world? We are like refugees in our homeland. I am from Afrin and my city has been invaded by the Turkish state. We are forcibly displaced people of Afrin living in Kobanê. Attacks are carried out on Kobanê every day. In Rojava Kurdistan, we do not have peace.”

“We will celebrate this day when we have peace”

Sharing her hopes for peace, Fîdan Omer said, “Now, the World Peace Day remains only on paper. We demand the liberation of our occupied region. We will celebrate this day when we have peace.”