First Annual Forum on Minority held in Northeast Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – On Friday, the city of Qamishli hosted the inaugural Annual Forum on Minority Issues, marking the first such event in Northern Syria to address the complex challenges faced by minority communities amid ongoing conflict and regional instability.
Organized by the Synergy Associations for Victims, along with Jisr Organization, Syrians for Truth and Justice, Arta Foundation for Media and Development, and Tadmurto Organization for Development and Community Cohesion, the forum brought together prominent human rights activists, civil society representatives, and media figures to address challenges facing minority communities in the region.
Participants explored issues critical to minority communities, including the protection of cultural identity, religious rights, and political participation, with a particular focus on the unique impact on women and gender minorities.
The event, held at the Al-Burj Hall in Qamishli, highlighted the region’s persistent challenges due to recent military incursions and territorial shifts. Since 2018, Turkey’s military operations have led to the control of key regions such as Afrin (2018) and Ras al-Ayn (2019), displacing many Kurdish and other minority communities.
These operations have contributed to widespread displacement, demographic changes, and a heightened sense of vulnerability among minority populations. Consequently, the forum sought to address these grievances, exploring ways to promote minority representation, resilience, and protection in a post-conflict setting.
Organizers emphasized the importance of outlining the needs and priorities of these communities, seeking to foster shared visions that will promote minority inclusion in peacebuilding, justice, and civil society efforts.
Abbas Mousa, a representative from the Synergy Association, elaborated that the forum discussions centered on minority rights and the complexities of religion, language, political representation, and cultural preservation under current conditions. “This forum is not just about discussing issues but about forging a roadmap to elevate minority voices and rights, both locally and internationally,” Mousa told North Press.
The forum’s outcome and recommendations will be compiled and presented at the 17th UN Forum on Minority Issues, scheduled to take place in Geneva on November 28–29, 2024.
Organizers aim to ensure that the international community hears directly from local voices regarding the realities faced by minorities in Northern Syria.
The findings will also be shared with regional and global stakeholders to galvanize support for minority rights protections and encourage increased accountability and justice in Syria.