Klistan Aziz

Shingal – The Yazidi community in Shingal is going through a sensitive phase where security and political challenges intersect with its aspirations to consolidate self-administration and strengthen its internal unity. Against this backdrop, the role of organizational institutions emerges as an essential pillar for protecting the gains achieved after years of resistance and resilience.

In an atmosphere marked by determination to protect the Yazidi heritage and entrench the principles of freedom and self-organization, 250 delegates—men and women—gathered in Shingal to participate in the sixth congress of the Democratic Self-Administration Council.

The congress, which was held on Saturday, March 28, under the slogan "Unity, Freedom, Solution," was not merely an organizational event but rather an evaluative station and a future vision that carried strong messages about the necessity of solidarity, updating the social contract, enhancing the role of women, and continuing to defend the Yazidi community in the face of ongoing threats.

"The Council is the Place of Unity and Consensus"

 

On the sidelines of the congress, Sozdar Akr, a leader in the Women's Protection Units in Shingal (YJŞ), said: "I hope that this congress will be a congress of freedom and democracy, and that we Yazidis in Shingal will live and preserve our self-administration." She pointed out that Shingal "is going through a difficult phase," as the Middle East region is witnessing a complex war, and under these circumstances, she considered holding the congress "an achievement."

She added, "There are pressures on Iraq and on Shingal specifically, and at such a time, holding the congress is a source of pride and a result of success. I am confident that this congress, through the ideas of leader Öcalan regarding the Yazidi community, will bring about change and transformation. Indeed, the visions and messages presented were a source of joy for us."

She highlighted the strong discussions at the congress and the role of the council: "I believe that this congress will be a success for the Yazidi community. We are all responsible for this community, and therefore we must have a role in protecting it." She affirmed that "the council is a place of unity and embrace for the Yazidi community, a place where people gather, discuss their problems, and find solutions. It is a center of unity and consensus, and we call it a meeting center. This congress will be a means to strengthen that, and strong steps will be taken."

She explained that more than ever, "our community needs unity, and we must stand together. We, as YJŞ forces, will continue to perform our duties and responsibilities in protecting this community to the end."

The council was established according to the great values of the Yazidi community.

 

As for Khokhi Jundi, she pointed out that over the course of 11 years, the congress has been held six times, and that "our goal is to not let the blood of our martyrs go in vain, and to not forget the massacres we were subjected to. We established this congress according to our many values, the sacrifices of our sons, the blood of our martyrs, and the resistance of the Yazidis."

She also spoke about the current situation in the region and the importance of holding the congress: "I hope that this congress will be a congress of goodness and success for the Yazidi community," noting that it was held despite threats, bombing, and aircraft, and at a time when "dirty policies were being plotted against Shingal." She affirmed that "no matter what we do, we cannot repay the sacrifices of our martyrs who worked for this council. Thanks to them, it was established, and 11 years have passed since then."

Despite all circumstances, even during ISIS threats, the first congress was held, and women were and still are strongly present. "Women will not surrender as long as the world exists; they will organize themselves, and they will be decision-makers everywhere. When she bears arms and stands against the enemy, she prevents surrender. With this congress, we will become stronger."