Rojhilat Afrin: “If the Damascus government does not come up with any excuses, negotiations will be held on three points”
A European delegation visited the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), during which Rojhilat Afrin, a member of the General Command of the YPJ, delivered a highly significant assessment regarding the situation in Syria and the Damascus government.The European delegation visited North and East Syria to monitor the regional situation and security challenges, and to explore ways to enhance cooperation and humanitarian support. The delegation included Member of the European Parliament and Co-chair of the Left Group in the European Parliament Martin Schirdewan, his deputy Nora Friesen-Windeborn, Deputy Director of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Philipp Degenehard, the representative of the Peoples’ Democratic Justice Party (Dem Partî) to the European institutions in Strasbourg Fayik Yagizay, and his advisor Dr. Sarah Glenn.During their visit to North and East Syria, the delegation also visited the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), where they were received by Rohilat Efrin, member of the YPJ General Command, Viyan Afrin, another leading figure in the YPJ, and Lana Hussein, member of the YPJ Military Council. The visit included discussions on political and humanitarian issues and recent developments in the region. Rojhilat Afrin spoke about these developments and addressed the role and mission of the YPJ in light of the current circumstances.
“The jihadist mentality inspired by al-Qaeda does not represent the people”
Rohilat Efrin spoke about the latest developments in Syria, expressing concern over the lifting of sanctions on the country. She stated:
“There is active diplomatic movement in Syria. From Turkish efforts to the involvement of Trump and Qatar, the issue of sanctions on Syria has been widely debated, with some decisions being taken in this regard. This poses a threat to the peoples of the region. In addition to this, there are also grave dangers threatening the Syrian people. The massacres carried out by the authorities against the Alawite and Druze communities are ongoing. A jihadist mentality inspired by al-Qaeda cannot possibly represent the people.”
“The Damascus government was forced to ally with us”
Rohilat Efrin continued her remarks regarding 15 of her fellow YPJ fighters who remain detained by the Damascus government:”The aim of the attacks in Syria was to occupy our areas as well. But the resistance of the people and fighters thwarted these attacks. The Damascus government was forced to form an alliance with us. This alliance was based on the withdrawal of the YPJ and YPG from certain neighborhoods in Aleppo to ensure internal security. This was achieved to some extent. The second phase was a prisoner exchange. A limited exchange took place. In the next phase, 15 of their prisoners were supposed to remain with us, and they were to release 15 of ours. However, at the last moment, they sabotaged the exchange due to their patriarchal mindset and insistence on keeping the 15 YPJ women fighters detained. As a result, the exchange was postponed. This jihadist mentality is rooted in hostility toward women first and foremost.”
“The fate of 15 of our comrades remains unknown”
Rohilat Efrin spoke about the continued detention of the 15 YPJ fighters and said their absence exposes the true face of the Damascus government:”As the Women’s Protection Units, we no longer need to prove ourselves to anyone. The peoples of this region fought under the leadership of the YPJ against the dark forces of ISIS and against the occupying power of the Turkish state. The failure to release our detained comrades exposes their real face. This approach reveals their hostility toward women and the diversity of the region. We are deeply concerned about whether something has happened to our detained comrades — whether they are martyrs or missing. Their fate is unknown. According to social ethics, the release of female prisoners should take priority, but clearly, no ethical standards are being upheld here.”
“Negotiations will be based on three points”
Rohilat Efrin, member of the YPJ General Command, stated that if the Damascus government refrains from making excuses, negotiations will be held based on three key points. She concluded her speech by saying:
“Many countries have central governments and, at the same time, their own local administrations. The people can live with their will and legitimate rights, and these countries accept that. In Syria, the YPJ and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are well-organized and trained, capable of defending their land and borders and shaping their future. The identity and voice of these people must be seen and heard. Our discussions with the authorities revolve around three key points: first, the administrative issue; second, the economic issue; and third, matters concerning the protection and security forces (YPJ and SDF). Preparations on our part have been completed. If they do not postpone or come up with new excuses, our negotiations will proceed. Every time we take a step forward, they retreat and place obstacles in the way. It is clear that external intervention greatly influences their decisions, and they are unable to exercise independent will. We have many perspectives and proposals through which we can engage in negotiations with this government and present our future projects.”
YPJ Media Center
01.06.2025
