The 23rd Ordinary Congress of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) continues in the Netherlands with the participation of 300 delegates from Kurdistan as well as the USA, Japan, Canada, Aurstralia and European countries. During the Congress, the current situation in Kurdistan and the region was analysed comprehensively and intensive discussions were held on the processes of national unity, peace and democratic solution. The joint declaration prepared as a result of these discussions was adopted at the General Assembly. KCK Executive Council Member Zubeyir Aydar read the joint declaration. 

 

The declaration of the 23rd KNK Ordinary Congress reads as follows:

 

"On the occasion of the 23rd Ordinary Congress of the KNK, dozens of Kurdish parties, organizations, and independent figures from all four parts of Kurdistan and abroad, along with KNK delegates, took part in the congress. Comprehensive discussions were held about the situation in Kurdistan and the world. The General Assembly functioned as a national consultation, and this declaration is presented to the public as its outcome.

 

The 23rd Ordinary Congress coincided with a period of significant developments in the Middle East, marked by a difficult and deepening war. This conflict has caused numerous changes in the region, including the collapse of the Baath regime in Syria. Meanwhile, intense discussions and dialogue efforts regarding the resolution of the Kurdish issue continue in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan (Bakur).

 

During this period, negotiations are taking place between Mr. Abdullah Öcalan on Imralı Island and Turkish state officials about resolving the Kurdish issue. As a result of these talks, Mr. Öcalan made a ‘Call for Peace and a Democratic Society’ on February 27, 2025. Following this, the PKK held its 12th Congress from June 5–7. On June 12, the results were publicly announced, declaring that the PKK has fulfilled its historical role and supports a peaceful resolution of the Kurdish issue. It was also stated that the ‘Kurdistan Freedom Movement will no longer operate under the PKK name and will end armed struggle against the Turkish state.’

 

Both Mr. Öcalan's call and the PKK's congress declaration are of historic importance. These announcements resonated deeply among the Kurdish people and the international community. Global institutions and powers responded positively and expressed support. Kurdish parties and organizations also showed a welcoming stance. Turkish state officials, too, generally reacted positively.

 

The Ordinary Congress views the Imralı process, Mr. Öcalan’s call, and the PKK congress results positively and supports them. The KNK commits to mobilizing all its resources to ensure the success of this process. If the Kurdish issue is resolved in Northern Kurdistan, it will positively impact the other three parts of Kurdistan and broader Kurdish unity.

 

However, the process has not advanced. The government has not taken serious steps, messages have been vague, and the language used has not been conducive to peace. Military operations, bombings, and the use and threat of chemical weapons continue. This is unacceptable.

 

Therefore:

 

-We call on all Kurdish forces, parties, institutions, and our people to approach this process positively and support it.

 

-We call on friends of the Kurdish people and advocates of peace: Do not leave the Kurds alone; work for the success of this process.

 

-We call on the United Nations, international institutions, and global powers: Mere statements are not enough; use your relations with Turkey to support this process.

 

-We call on Turkish state officials: There is still time—do not waste this opportunity. Advance the process. Release Mr. Öcalan, stop the war, and move the resolution into Parliament to establish a legal and political framework.

 

A healthy process requires an independent third-party observer to monitor and mediate. The KNK Ordinary Congress calls on both sides to open the door to mediators and third-party facilitators. We hope all parties act with a sense of responsibility and that this process leads to a resolution of the Kurdish issue.

 

SITUATION IN IRAN AND ROJHILAT (EASTERN KURDISTAN)

 

The Iranian regime is in a deep crisis, economically, socially, and politically. Iran has effectively become an open prison, especially for women and various ethnic and religious groups. Oppression against women is increasing, evolving into a rebellion. After the killing of Kurdish woman Jîna Aminî, an uprising began in Rojhilat and spread across Iran. Despite severe repression, the resistance continues.

 

The Iranian regime targets Kurdish parties and increases pressure on the people. This has strained its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, leading to greater repression of Rojhilat organizations.

 

The war in the Middle East most severely affects Iran. Iran-linked forces are being directly targeted, and the ultimate target is Iran itself. If the current trajectory continues, a new revolution may emerge. All Kurdish forces, not just in Rojhilat, must prepare for these changes.

 

The KNK Congress salutes and supports the resistance led by women in Rojhilat Kurdistan that has spread throughout Iran.

 

IRAQ AND SOUTH KURDISTAN (BASHUR)

 

Iraq is in a state of uncertainty, threatening the status of Kurdistan. As Iraq experiences a major crisis, many foreign actors are involved. Arabization policies under Article 140 have intensified, displacing many Kurds. Unfortunately, Kurdish forces are not united during this critical period.

 

Despite elections being held in the Kurdistan Region, over seven months have passed without the formation of a new government or election of a president. The upcoming elections in Iraq this fall are also crucial. Without Kurdish unity, the federal status and existing gains are at risk. Regions under Article 140 may be entirely lost.

 

SYRIA AND ROJAVA

 

There have been new developments in Syria over the past six months. The Baath regime has collapsed, and Salafi forces have seized power in Damascus, though they lack control over the whole country. Problems are deepening. Although agreements have been made with the Rojava administration, issues remain unresolved. Massacres against Alawites have occurred, and if not addressed, similar violence may affect Christians and Druze.

 

The new regime seeks to establish an Islamic system based on Arab nationalism. Women’s rights are ignored, and democratic, secular individuals are under pressure—posing a serious threat. Without a democratic Syria, chaos will continue, and the country may fragment. Kurds must remain vigilant and strengthen their alliances. The recent conference among Kurdish forces in Rojava was successful, and the KNK supports its decisions.

 

GENERAL ASSESSMENT

 

The situation in Kurdistan is critical and uncertain. However, alongside danger, there are also opportunities. The occupying states face deep crises. Given developments like instability in Iraq, uncertainty in Syria, the transformation in Iran, Turkey’s internal crises, and the war in Palestine, it is clear the status quo in Kurdistan is changing.

 

If Kurds unite and strengthen national unity, a permanent status for all Kurdistan can be achieved. All political forces, parties, and our people in all four parts must rally more strongly, adopting a national and patriotic stance. This way, the plans of occupying states can be defeated."