Medical unions call for medical examination of Leader Ocalan, his immediate release

Today, the Medical Unions Conference of North and East Syria was launched under the slogan “Health is fundamental for revival and Liberation,” with the aim of ensuring Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s physical freedom. The conference, held at Rojava University in Qamishlo, saw wide participation from doctors, pharmacists, health technicians, and representatives of civil, medical, and Autonomous Administration institutions in North and East Syria.

The conference was a unique initiative aimed at enhancing public health and reinforcing the principles of a democratic society, through discussions on key issues related to both individual and community health.

The conference opened with a discussion of Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s recommendations, and was then chaired by the Co-chair of the Pharmacists’ Union in North and East Syria, Abeer Hassaf, the Co-chair of Doctors in the Jazira Canton, Mustafa Abdul Karim, and Dr. Diyar Rasho.

Participants addressed Leader Ocalan’s strategic visions for resolving societal and political crises, particularly amid the complexities of the Syrian conflict and ongoing wars. They emphasized that, despite his imprisonment for more than 26 years, his ideas still hold high practical value and significant potential for implementation, as they provide tools for critical analysis and visions for building a just social system.

The conference also highlighted Leader Ocalan’s ability to maintain intellectual and physical resilience under harsh and prolonged isolation. Attendees noted that this perseverance serves as a model of endurance and determination, underlining the importance of independent thought and continued struggle for change.

Discussions also focused on practical ways to apply these recommendations within civil, medical, educational, and political institutions to achieve sustainable transformation that upholds justice and equality in society.

Participants further examined Leader Ocalan’s health situation, stressing the importance of ensuring his right to comprehensive healthcare, including accurate and regular medical examinations. They called for independent and specialized medical delegations to be allowed to visit him and directly assess his condition, in line with international laws on human rights, particularly concerning the healthcare rights of detainees. The link between physical well-being and intellectual capacity was also emphasized, noting that physical health is essential for sustaining strategic thinking and producing political and societal solutions as exemplified by Leader Ocalan’s continued contributions despite his circumstances.

The discussions expanded to address the psychological and social dimensions of health in war zones. Participants highlighted the profound and complex impact of armed conflicts on mental health at both individual and community levels.

Syria, as a living example of prolonged war and conflict, suffers from the direct effects of bombardment, sieges, and forced displacement, as well as sectarian and domestic violence. These conditions have increased rates of psychological and neurological illnesses, while also weakening the public health system and spreading chronic diseases. The environmental consequences of war were also raised, including water, air, and soil pollution, which directly contribute to higher rates of cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases; issues requiring sustainable health and environmental policies.

Within this context, the role of women in confronting these challenges was highlighted as a vital theme of the conference. Participants viewed the experience of women in North and East Syria as a pioneering model in leading societal and political transformation. Women have proven their ability to work on the frontlines across health, education, and administration sectors, contributing to the building of a cohesive democratic society grounded in social justice and participation. Attendees stressed the importance of supporting and expanding this experience, given its positive impact on public health and community stability.

The conference concluded with a final statement read by Abeer Hassaf which outlined key recommendations arising from the discussions.

The statement called for sending an international, multidisciplinary delegation, including doctors from NE Syria, to visit Leader Abdullah Ocalan and conduct a thorough clinical examination of all his bodily systems, without any restrictions or conditions placed on their access to Imrali Prison.

It emphasized that regular and transparent medical follow-up is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed, and called for the immediate release of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, ensuring his physical freedom as part of human justice and dignity.

The statement also urged intensified efforts to support Leader Ocalan’s calls for peace and the building of a democratic society, through rejecting all forms of hate speech and ethnic or tribal chauvinism, and adhering to principles of coexistence and social justice that guarantee the rights of all components in Syria.

It further recommended sending urgent appeals to international human rights organizations, particularly the World Health Organization, the Human Rights Council, the Human Rights Committee, as well as international medical and humanitarian organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, to investigate the violations against Leader Ocalan and pressure Turkey to improve his conditions of detention and ensure his full healthcare.

The statement also underscored the importance of environmental protection due to its direct impact on human health, stressing the need for integrated health and environmental policies. Additionally, it pointed to the urgent necessity of intensifying health awareness campaigns in society to prevent diseases and promote a new health culture based on self-care and social responsibility; an essential step toward fostering a comprehensive and democratic health mindset.

 A-H 

ANHA