Thousands march in Qamishli demanding Kurdish rights in Syria's constitution

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Thousands of people marched in the Kurdish city of Qamishli in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Tuesday, calling for national unity and the protection of Kurdish rights in Syria’s future constitution.

The demonstration emphasized Kurdish unity across borders and pressed for constitutional recognition, power-sharing, and the official status of the Kurdish language in Rojava.

It comes over two weeks after the Damascus interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian democratic forces reached an internationally brokered agreement following weeks of intense clashes. The agreement aimed to end hostilities and integrate Rojava’s civil and military institutions under state control.

Ahead of the ceasefire, in mid-January, the Syrian Arab Army and allied armed groups launched a large-scale offensive to push back Rojava’s de facto military force, the SDF, from areas in northern and northeastern Syria, including Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Hasaka provinces.

Mothers of the fallen Kurdish fighters led the Tuesday march. With high morale, they said they were continuing the struggle their children died for.

“We have taken to the streets today for Kurdish unity, for the sake of our fighters and our martyrs. We want all Kurds to unite,” said Juda Omar, a mother of a fallen fighter, during the rally.

Protesters outlined their demands, including recognition of Kurds as an indigenous and historical component of Syria, genuine power-sharing, and the inclusion of Kurdish as an official language in the permanent constitution, which has yet to be drafted.

Badia Amin, a participant in the march, said the Kurdish people would continue their struggle regardless of international inaction. “We have never bowed our heads and we never will; we will fulfill the desires of our hearts. Let [international] human rights organizations know their duties. Despite the fact that not everyone has helped us, we have done it ourselves, we are doing it, and we will succeed,” she said.

The march also highlighted global Kurdish unity.

“Just as all the people of Kurdistan - in the north [southeastern Turkey], the south [Kurdistan Region], in [other parts of Greater] Kurdistan, in Germany, in Duhok, and everywhere - took to the streets, we too must come out today and support the Kurdish people,” said Abdulqadir Abdullah, another protester.

Calls for unity were echoed by many participants. “We want the unity of the Kurdish people so that everyone knows - from the north to the east and northeast Syria - that Kurds are one,” said Layla Omar.

Children also joined the march, symbolizing what organizers described as the hopes of the next generation. “I came for Rojava. Long live Kurds and Kurdistan!” said Sabat Hakim, a student.

Organizers said the demonstration was held peacefully and aimed to underscore the Kurdish people’s determination in Rojava to protect their national identity and secure their political, economic, and cultural rights through nonviolent means.

Ranja Jamal contributed to this report from Qamishli.