“Either we will live a dignified life, or we will die with dignity”

For twelve years, the people here, alongside hundreds of internationalist comrades from all over the world, have been building a revolutionary reality. Following the paradigm of democratic confederalism introduced by Abdullah Öcalan, Rojava has become a global symbol of democracy, women’s liberation, and revolutionary hope. Now, the achievements of this revolution are under attack. In areas occupied by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), such as Shehba, fear of a new Islamic State is rising, accompanied by reports of humiliation, violence, and killings. As a result, thousands of people are fleeing to the areas governed by the self-administration.

The multiethnic canton of Manbij was liberated from the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) in 2016 by the YPG, YPJ, and SDF and became the first self-administered region in North and East Syria without a predominantly Kurdish population. Following the liberation, the military council handed over the administration to the Manbij Civil Council. The city has since been regarded as a model for a democratic Syria where all peoples and nations can live as equals. During the liberation of Manbij in 2016, images went viral of women throwing off their black veils and welcoming the YPJ women’s units. From the beginning, all administrative offices in Manbij implemented a gender-parity co-leadership system with one woman and one man sharing each leadership position, and women made up 50% of the administration. Besides that, they started to organize in autonomous women organizations under the umbrella of the Arab women’s association Zenobia. This societal model established a secure and trusting environment where women fought for their rights and actively participated in all areas of governance and public life.

Since the invasion by SNA jihadists, severe war crimes have been committed: wounded fighters have been executed in hospitals, Kurdish civilians have been subjected to looting, and numerous homes have been burned down. Three activists from the Arab women’s association Zenobia were murdered, and several female Asayîsh security officers were abducted. Yet resistance continues in the city.

This war is destroying years of work in building a democratic system. The attacks target the people and the society of North and East Syria. We will defend this revolution, which has also become ours. It is not merely a regional project but a proposal for an alternative to capitalist modernity.

The forces of the YPJ, YPG, and SDF have prepared to respond to the brutal attacks by the enemies of the revolution. However, this revolution will ultimately be defended by all the people here in North and East Syria, as well as by the internationalist solidarity that has endured for centuries. Our task as internationalists is to recognize the importance of this historic moment and to respond appropriately wherever we are. Here, as internationalists within the YPJ and YPG, our response will be resistance—not only militarily, but also with our hearts, minds, and voices.

Why We Need to Act Now

The attacks on Rojava, backed by the Turkish state, are escalating, targeting the core of this revolutionary project that represents democracy, women’s liberation and hope for a different future. These attacks are not just aimed at one region but are part of a broader attempt to crush the possibility of an alternative to oppression, patriarchy, fascism and capitalism. By defending Rojava, we defend the values of democratic socialism, equality and freedom that resonate across the globe.

This is not just the struggle of others—it is ours. Rojava is a beacon of hope for the world, a living example of what is possible when people unite and women take a vanguard role to build a society based on collective care, ecological sustainability, and gender liberation. Every step we take to defend it is a step toward a better future for all of us.

On December 14th, we call on you to rise up and take action. Together, we can send a clear message: we will not stand by while patriarchy, fascism and occupation destroy what has been built.

We will not retreat in the face of these patriarchal, fascist and fundamentalist attacks, and we will protect the gains of the revolution. We are determined to hold our ground and defend this place of hope—a place where Kurdish, Arab, Armenian, Assyrian, Syriac, Chaldean and other peoples live together with their own identity and in peace. This place offers the entire world a vision of how colorful and beautiful our future could look like.

The democratic confederal system built in Rojava 12 years ago provides an answer to the question of a democratic Syria which has become highly relevant again with the fall of Assad. All the experience and achievements that have been gained in 12 years of struggle are of great significance for the real liberation and autonomy of the people of Syria. But, this is not in the hegemonic powers’ interest, who want to redistribute the Middle East to their own advantage. Because of this now more than ever, it is under threat, and now more than ever, it needs our solidarity.

On December 14th, let’s rise together against Turkish aggression, patriarchy, fascism, fundamentalism and occupation. Let’s take a stand for a free Syria, for the women’s revolution and for a democratic solution. Let’s defend the self-administration and the revolution!

#Defend Rojava!