Italian MEP Ilaria Salis has advocated for the establishment of a no-fly zone over North and East Syria (Rojava) to safeguard civilian life amid ongoing Turkish attacks, and condemned international inaction on the dire humanitarian situation in the region, during an address to the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) on 28 January.
“Every day, jets and Turkish drones bomb peaceful demonstrations, sowing terror among civilians,” said Greens and Left Alliance member Salis, noting that the self-governing region is under continuous assault. “Turkish attacks are illegal and violate international law. A no-fly zone is urgently needed.”
“The silence of governments and European media is unacceptable,” she stressed, highlighting the deliberate targeting of vital infrastructure by Turkish forces, including attacks on the Tishreen (Tîşrîn) Dam and an associated sit-in protest, and the Alouk (Aluk) water station near Ras al-Ayn (Serê Kaniyê). These actions have left approximately half a million people without access to clean water.
"[Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan's Turkey is trying to crush this experiment [Rojava] by attacking civilians, water and energy infrastructure," Salis warned.
Salis stressed that a no-fly zone would not only protect civilians, but also the democratic achievements of the region. Additionally she urged the international community to take immediate action to promote dialogue for lasting peace.
"Since the defeat of the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2015, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has become an example of cooperation between Kurdish, Arab and other minority communities, promoting a pluralist, ecological model which is attentive to gender equality," she said.
The MEP concluded by looking at the future of post-Assad Syria, warning against a centralisation of power in Damascus, and encouraging an inclusive solution which promotes all political components of Syria.
