KNK condemns attacks on Kurdish symbols 

KNK condemns attacks on Kurdish symbols and flags, and images of female and male martyrs

The Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) condemned the attack targeting Kurdish symbols, flags and images of female and male martyrs, describing it as a dangerous scene aimed at fuelling discord and ethnic hatred. It called on Syrian and Arab democratic national forces to condemn these acts and stand against them.

The Kurdistan National Congress said in a statement:

“The Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) is following with deep concern and strong condemnation the images and videos circulating that show inciting groups in Hasakah Governorate attacking Kurdish symbols, including flags and images of martyrs that represent the will of the Kurdish people. This dangerous scene has reached the point of involving underage children in these heinous acts.

“These acts are not merely isolated individual behaviours, but systematic, racist and inciting actions aimed at fuelling discord and ethnic hatred, undermining the values of coexistence, rejecting the democratic integration process, and insulting the dignity of an indigenous people. They are entirely incompatible with international laws and conventions, human rights, and children’s rights.

“We, at the Kurdistan National Congress, affirm the following:

- We strongly condemn and denounce these chauvinistic and inciting practices targeting the Kurds in Rojava and Syria, and consider them a fully constituted hate crime.

- We hold the Syrian state and the de facto authorities fully responsible for the safety of Kurdish citizens, the protection of their symbols and rights, and allowing hate speech and incitement to spread in the streets without any deterrent. The state’s silence regarding these acts constitutes complicity and encouragement.

- Using children in politically motivated, inciting and degrading acts is a flagrant violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It also poses a serious threat to social cohesion and plants hatred in the hearts of future generations.

- We call on the relevant authorities and local and international human rights organisations to document and condemn these violations. We also call on the Syrian administration to launch an immediate investigation and hold the instigators and those behind them accountable.

- We affirm that the Kurds in Rojava and Syria are an integral and fundamental component, and that their national and political rights are legitimate. Such despicable acts will not undermine these rights; rather, they will strengthen our determination to uphold Kurdish unity and defend our people’s achievements.

“We call on all honourable Syrian and Arab democratic national forces to condemn these acts and stand against hate speech. Syria’s future cannot be built on incitement and exclusion, but on mutual recognition and respect.

“Long live brotherhood among peoples, and shame and disgrace upon those who promote hatred and discord.”

Sh-S

ANHA