Rojava Tribunal: Investigating Turkey’s war crimes, attack on a democratic revolution
🔴The Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (@RojavaTribunal) is set to examine alleged war crimes by Turkey in Rojava. A pivotal moment for justice and accountability.#RojavaTribunal #HumanRights… pic.twitter.com/GL5P8ymJ8d
— MedyaNews (@1MedyaNews) January 3, 2025
The upcoming session of the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal (PPT) will focus on serious accusations against the Turkish state and its affiliated paramilitary groups concerning their actions to the extent of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Rojava. Since 2018, there has been an escalation in attacks by Turkey and its jihadist allies against the diverse populations inhabiting this area.
Rojava, meaning “west” in Kurdish, refers geographically to the western part of Kurdistan. Since 2011, amidst the Syrian conflict, Rojava has emerged as a symbol of a democratic people’s revolution, representing a socio-political model that emphasises self-governance, women’s liberation, and the unity of various ethnic, religious, and communal identities.
The Tribunal will deliberate on several critical issues:
Forced displacement
Testimonies will shed light on the displacement of Kurdish residents from Afrin (Efrîn) and Ras al-Ayn (Serêkaniyê), areas occupied by Turkish forces in 2018 and 2019, respectively. These occupations have led to significant demographic changes and have been accompanied by reports of war crimes, including abductions and gender-based violence.
Use of prohibited weapons
Evidence will be presented regarding the alleged deployment of banned weapons, such as white phosphorus, against civilian populations and infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.
Targeted assassinations and civilian massacres
The assassination of Hevrin Khalaf, a prominent advocate for peace, and other violent acts against non-combatants will be examined.
12 October 2020 marks the date that Hevrin Xelef, a leading politician of Rojava, was murdered by Turkish backed jihadist groups
Destruction of cultural heritage
The systematic destruction and looting of cultural sites, including sacred Yazidi shrines, will be documented as violations of international conventions protecting cultural property.
Torture and unlawful detention
Reports of torture and arbitrary detention, including emblematic cases, will be showcased as part of a broader strategy to repress the cultural and ethnic identity of the population.
The tribunal’s establishment follows a formal request by human rights and legal organisations from Europe and North and East Syria, who have documented these violations and seek to end the prevailing impunity. They emphasise that the Turkish state’s actions target the libertarian potential revealed by the Rojava revolution, aiming to dismantle this democratic model.
A similar People’s Tribunal model was used in 2018 to assess the violations of international law and international humanitarian law by the Turkish Republic and its officials against the Kurdish people and their organisations.
The PPT, established in 1979 in Italy, has previously addressed issues such as the repression of minority rights, including for Kurds in the Middle East, and policies of international financial institutions. Its sessions have historically played a significant role in raising awareness and promoting accountability for human rights violations.
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Media outlets and journalists are invited to cover this significant event, which will provide access to firsthand testimonies, expert analyses, and a wealth of evidence regarding the situation in Rojava. Coverage of these proceedings is seen as a crucial tool for raising awareness, promoting accountability, and amplifying the voices of victims.
War Crime Case: Turkish Offensive and Occupation on Sere kaniye- Ras el Ayn/ Gire sipi- Til ebyd
(Sources of images 📸 : ANHA Hawar News, North Press Agency, ANF News) pic.twitter.com/R7Od1FYLsV
— Rojava Peoples’ Tribunal (@RojavaTribunal) January 2, 2025
For more information, visit the official website of the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal.
This tribunal represents a significant effort to address and bring international attention to the alleged violations and to seek justice for the affected populations in Rojava.
