Establishment of Democratic Federation in Northern Syria
March 17th, 2016
March 17th, 2016
How Long Ago?
8 years, 11 months, 26 days ago
Location
Rmelan, Syria
Category
Politics & Government
War/Conflict
Syrian Civil War
People
- Abdullah Öcalan
- Salih Muslim
- Asya Abdullah
Links & References
- Movement for a Democratic Society
- Rojava conflict
- Rmelan
- Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria
Tags
Establishment of Democratic Federation in Northern Syria
At a conference in Rmelan, the Movement for a Democratic Society announced the establishment of the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria. This declaration aimed to create a self-governed region in Northern Syria, promoting democratic governance, gender equality, and ethnic pluralism, as a response to the conflicts in the region and to assert autonomy against external governance. The federation is characterized by its unique model of local governance that seeks to empower communities and foster cooperation among different ethnic and religious groups, underscoring a commitment to democracy and social justice.
Declaration made by Movement for a Democratic Society.
Focused on democratic governance, gender equality.
Aim to unite diverse ethnic groups under one federation.
Response to challenges of the Syrian civil war.
What Happened?
The conference held in Rmelan, attended by various political and social figures, marked a significant development in the governance of Northern Syria. The Movement for a Democratic Society (TEV-DEM), a coalition of Kurdish, Arab, and Assyrian political groups, convened with the goal of establishing a framework for governance that reflects the diversity and democratic aspirations of the local population. The declaration established the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria, which aimed to unite various autonomous regions into a cohesive political entity. The federation was built on principles of democratic confederalism as advocated by Abdullah Öcalan, a Kurdish leader whose ideology emphasizes grassroots democracy and ecological sustainability.The establishment of this federation was seen as a response to the ongoing Syrian civil war and the lack of formal political recognition for the Kurdish-led initiatives in the region. The conference was notable for fostering dialogue among ethnic groups that had historically faced oppression. By promoting gender equality and minority rights as foundational principles, the federation sought to create a new political paradigm in Syria that prioritizes local governance and community engagement over centralized authority. This initiative sparked a broader movement toward self-determination among Kurdish and allied populations in Syria, emphasizing the importance of collaboration amid conflict.
Why Does it Matter?
The establishment of the Democratic Federation significantly altered the political landscape in Northern Syria. By promoting a model of governance based on democratic values and pluralism, it provided a blueprint for alternative governance structures amidst widespread instability. The federation has drawn attention to the potential for non-state actors to establish functional governance during conflicts, which could influence similar movements in other conflict-affected regions around the world.
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