Shahba- Important issues were highlighted at the International Dialogue Forum held in the Berxwedan camp located in the Fafin district of Shahba province with the motto, “Afrin between Turkish occupation and international interests” by the Human Rights Organizations in Syria and Afrin.  

Îlham Ehmed, the Head of the Executive Council of the Syrian Democratic Council, attended the first session of the forum via Skype.

“Rights violations are openly committed”

In her speech, Îlham Ehmed said that Turkey has been carrying out inhuman practices in Afrin with the partnership of the states, “Rights violations are openly committed but all states remain silent against these violations.” After her speech, a video screening showing the rights violations committed in Afrin took place. Many important issues were discussed at the forum.

NuJINHA spoke to Elif Mihemed, a coordination member of Afrin Region Kongra Star, and Zelûx Bekir, Co-chair of Afrin Canton Council, about the forum.

“We told what is happening in Afrin”

Underlining that the forum was held against the Turkish state’s occupation in the region, Elif Mihemed said, “At the forum, we told those who attended the forum from other countries what is happening in Afrin and the demands of the people of Afrin to return their homeland. The Turkish state wants to realize the Ottoman dream by carrying out inhuman practices with its factions. The Turkish state has no right on Syrian territory but it attacks it. Lawyers and politicians, who attended the forum, reported what is happening in Afrin.”

“Actions should be taken against the inhuman practices”

Indicating that the forum was important for them, Zelûx Bekir said, “All states should take a stand against rights violations and inhumane practices in Afrin. By holding this forum, we wanted to report the rights violations against the people of Afrin since Afrin was occupied. Arab, Syriac, Armenian and Kurdish people attended the forum. Politicians expressed their thought via Skype. The situation in Afrin and the Syrian crisis were discussed. We must find a solution to the occupation of Afrin because the Syrian crisis is related to the situation in Afrin.”

Emphasizing that the Turkish state has been carrying out a dirty policy against all people living in the region, Zelûx Bekir called on all states to take action against inhuman practices.