The 3rd congress of KON-MED, the Confederation of Kurdistan Communities in Germany, concluded on Sunday in Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany, with a vision to expand its management with young professionals, strengthen cultural initiatives and address the ongoing efforts by the German state to criminalise the Kurds.
Assemblies, communes and associations affiliated with various Kurdish grassroots organisations, along with representatives from Kurdish organisations elsewhere, all participated actively in the preliminary discussions on Saturday.
With 61 assemblies, 23 communes, 78 sports clubs and 49 associations in attendance, as well as more than 250 organisations and 400 delegates, the congress sought to bolster KON-MED’s progress towards professionalisation and growth.
In an interview with Özgür Yeni Politika newspaper on Wednesday, co-chair Engin Sever highlighted the enduring challenges confronted by Kurds in their homeland, divided into four parts by the Treaty of Lausanne a century ago, and the challenges those who later migrated to Europe encounter there. Recognising the need for organised institutions to unify Kurdish society, Sever acknowledged the dedication of assemblies, federations, mosques, lodges and Yazidi houses in overcoming these difficulties.
Pointing out that the congress follows a period of intense effort to address the grip of capitalist modernity and meet the expectations of the Kurdish community within a democratic society model, Sever emphasised the importance of language and cultural initiatives in preserving the Kurdish identity and combating assimilation. Noting the positive impact of existing language and culture courses, Sever called for increased efforts, highlighting the Kurdish Culture Week in Nuremberg as a successful example to be replicated throughout Germany.
However, Sever expressed concern over the German state’s policy towards the Kurds, which has resulted in efforts to criminalise them, as well as pressure, raids and the arrest of a former co-chair of KON-MED, Tahir Köçer. The recent report from the Constitutional Protection Organisation targeting Kurdish institutions further exacerbates the situation, according to Sever. He criticised these actions as an infringement of democracy and said that KON-MED will pursue legal and diplomatic initiatives to address these challenges.
Co-chair Zübeyde Zümrüt emphasised the need for a more professional response to the criminalisation of the Kurds and the importance of raising awareness among the wider population. Zümrüt highlighted the significant presence of Kurdish youth in Germany, with the fourth generation growing up, studying and contributing to various fields. With numerous football clubs and a strong youth potential, KON-MED aims to prioritise activities for young people and rejuvenate its administration.
