K.Star: YPJ must be included in integration process

The Joint Events Platform for Women's Movements and Organizations in Rojava announced in a statement the launch of a campaign to support the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) on April 26 under the slogan "We are all YPJ, YPJ represents us." The campaign aims to demand the inclusion of the Women's Protection Units in the integration process within the structure of the Ministry of Defense.

A member of the Kongra Star Coordination in the city of Kobani, Khunaf Khalil, spoke to ANHA agency about the importance of this campaign and its goals.

Khunaf Khalil stated that after the January 29 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Interim Government, initial steps toward integration were taken, but there are still issues. She said, "There are some obstacles in administrative aspects and some military aspects, such as the government not accepting women in the army," explaining that "these issues can be resolved through dialog and meetings."

Khunaf continued her speech, saying: "The main issue now is the status of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ)." Despite the government's recognition of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Women's Protection Units are still not officially recognized. The Women's Protection Units are considered as forces affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces, and their status must be officially involved within the Syrian Ministry of Defense as a military force subordinate to it.

She explained that the interim government claims there is no special women's force within its ranks and does not recognize the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) as an official force, but she affirmed that these units: "represent all women and are their strength, because all women have recognized themselves, acknowledged their rights, and liberated themselves from slavery and violence thanks to the existence of these units." However, the interim government does not recognize the existence of the Women's Protection Units within the framework of integration.

Regarding the "We are all YPJ, YPJ represents us" campaign, Khunaf said: "The Kongra Star reaffirms its support for the Women's Protection Units, and we, as the Kongra Star Coordination, also join the struggle, and we will fight to support the Women's Protection Units to take their rightful place in the integration." We will strengthen our resistance, and we will fight to ensure our rights and the official recognition of the units in the new constitution.

"The Women's Protection Units are the strongest force"

Khunaf Khalil demanded the release of the female fighters held captive by the interim government, in addition to the handover of the martyrs' bodies to them. She concluded her speech by saying: "We have complete confidence in the strength of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ). The YPJ defeated the most dangerous terrorism in Kobani, and therefore they should participate in the structure of the Syrian army." We also join the campaign and support the official integration of the units into the Syrian army