Arabic to English Translation*
The Party Congress was convened over three consecutive days, on 17–19 July 2025, with the participation of delegates from all party organizations inside and outside the country. The congress was named the Jiyayeh Kurmeinj (Afrin) Congress.
The congress was opened under the following slogans:
- Towards building a democratic, pluralistic, parliamentary, and decentralized Syria, in which the national rights of the Kurdish people are safeguarded.
- The safe return of the displaced from Afrin, Serê Kaniyê, and Girê Spî.
- Working to realize the Party’s fundamental principles: peace, freedom, and equality.
After observing a minute of silence in honor of the martyrs of the Kurdish people and the martyrs of freedom, a committee was elected to manage the congress, and the agenda proposed by the Preparatory Committee was approved.
The congress began discussions on documents prepared by the committees assigned by the Executive Body, with the aim of enriching and ratifying them. These included:
- The Political Report
- The Draft Internal Bylaws
- The Political Program
Political Situation
The congress reviewed international and regional developments, including the escalation of conflicts with religious, ethnic, and economic dimensions; the transformation of international trade routes, natural resources, and zones of influence into fierce arenas of competition among global powers. This trajectory has undermined global stability, coinciding with the decline of democratic values and human rights, the rise of extremist right-wing movements, and the erosion of the role of international institutions in containing crises and resolving conflicts—particularly in the Middle East, which is witnessing some of the most complex manifestations of such struggles.
In this context, the congress reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of peace and a culture of nonviolence, considering dialogue and negotiation as the sole and most effective means to resolve disputes, given their greater efficiency and lower cost at both domestic and international levels.
Syrian National Affairs
The congress addressed the profound transformations unfolding in Syria and the country’s transition into a new phase following the fall of the Ba’ath regime and its ruling clique. This shift represents a notable transition from a centralized repressive authority to a volatile and fragile political reality. Despite some aspects of openness, there remain fears of the re-emergence of authoritarianism in religious, sectarian, or factional forms.
The congress viewed this phase as a genuine opportunity for political transition but warned that it remains fraught with risks due to the absence of an inclusive social contract, ongoing external interventions, rising fears of ethnic and religious marginalization, and the growing tendency toward military and security-based solutions. This has been evident in recent events in the Syrian coast, certain neighbourhoods of the capital Damascus, and currently in As-Suwayda Governorate, which has witnessed grave violations and massacres.
Accordingly, the congress stressed that the call for holding an inclusive Syrian National Conference is no longer merely a demand but has become an urgent national necessity dictated by current realities. Such a conference would constitute the first step toward building a democratic, participatory, and decentralized state that acknowledges diversity and prevents descent into chaos and security collapse.
The Kurdish Issue in Syria
The congress emphasized that a sustainable political solution in Syria cannot be achieved without constitutional recognition of the rights of the Kurdish people. It highlighted the historical significance of the agreement reached between Interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces. This agreement laid out key principles forming a roadmap for a national solution, beginning with an affirmation of Syria’s unity, political participation for all Syrians, the return of displaced persons, and culminating in constitutional recognition of Kurdish rights.
The congress also emphasized the importance of strengthening relations among the various Kurdish political actors, including the joint work document with the Kurdish Progressive Democratic Party in Syria. It commended the significant political outcomes of the Syrian Kurdish Unity of Position Conference, particularly its final document, which contributes to enhancing joint action, consolidating it socially, and activating it politically.
The congress further stressed the importance and role of the Autonomous Administration as a model for shaping the future of Syria—one that can be further developed and built upon—while emphasizing the need to protect it, evaluate it, and safeguard its achievements.
Party Organizational Affairs
The congress discussed the organizational status of the Party inside and outside Syria, valuing the spirit of camaraderie and shared struggle among comrades, and reaffirming the importance of holding on to the homeland as a key determinant for sustaining legitimate political struggle.
It emphasized the need to address weaknesses and deficiencies within the Party’s organizational structure—whether due to objective or subjective reasons—and called upon those who had distanced themselves from the Party to return to its ranks.
The congress expressed appreciation and gratitude to comrades in occupied regions (Afrin, Serê Kaniyê, Girê Spî), as well as to those contributing to the weekly reports entitled “Afrin Under Occupation,” which have reached 326 reports to date.
It also extended thanks to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and its director, acknowledging their role in exposing grave human rights violations in Syria.
Furthermore, the congress underlined the importance of enhancing the Party’s media efforts and utilizing technological advancements in this field.
Conclusion
The elections were conducted in accordance with the Party’s internal bylaws, resulting in:
– The election of the Party Secretary
– The election of the Deputy Secretary
– The election of the Executive Body
The congress concluded with a strong spirit of commitment to the Party’s values and principles, reaffirming the determination to continue the struggle for peace, freedom, and equality.
21.07.2025. Z
The Executive Body
Kurdish Democratic Unity Party in Syria
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* Under the supervision of the European Organization of the Kurdish Democratic Unity Party in Syria (Yekîtî).