The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Youth Initiative Coordination issued a strong statement on 1 January, following a recent meeting on the ongoing developments in Syria. The statement condemned Turkey’s aggressive policies in the region and emphasised the importance of creating a democratic future for Syria and its peoples.
The Initiative described the Middle East as a historically significant region, rich in material and cultural heritage but burdened by decades of imperialist intervention and division. They highlighted the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne as a turning point that divided the region into nation-states, allowing outside powers to exploit its wealth and perpetuate cycles of violence. Turkey, as the first post-Lausanne nation-state, was criticised for its role in the region, including its recent military actions in Syria, its relationship with Israel and its contribution to wider regional instability.
The Initiative pointed to Turkey’s ongoing occupation of northeast Syria, accusing it of attempting to establish control through mercenaries and oppressive policies. The statement specifically cited violations against Alawite and Syriac communities, stressing that such actions undermine the rights and freedoms of all Syrians.
The Initiative advocated for a decentralised Syrian Democratic Republic as the only viable solution to protect the different ethnic and religious groups. They warned against being deceived by Turkey’s intentions, stressing that the Turkish nationalist state remains the common enemy of the peoples of the region. The statement also reiterated the importance of democratic confederalism, a system inspired by the imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, which has already been implemented in North and East Syria to promote co-existence and self-governance.
This meeting builds on the initiative of the Middle East and North Africa Youth Conference held in Beirut in June 2024, which brought together over 80 youth representatives to discuss solutions to the region’s crises. Workshops and panels at the conference tackled issues such as environmental degradation, gender-based violence and the impact of nationalism, highlighting the potential of youth-led initiatives to drive change.
As regional tensions escalate, the Initiative’s declaration underlines the urgent need for unity and democratic solutions to counter occupation and protect the rights of all peoples in Syria and the wider Middle East. Their call to action aims to inspire resistance to oppression and envision a future based on peace, equality and coexistence.
