Pirsûs/Suruç / Turkey, 30 January 2026
In order to draw attention to the humanitarian situation in Kobanê, and the Syrian army’s war on the region of the democratic self-administration in Syria (NES), a convoy made up of people from across the world have travelled together to stand in solidarity with the people of the beseiged city and region. Shortly before 3 p.m. local time today, approximately 30 participants in the “Caravan in Defence of Humanity” issued a press statement in the city of Pirsûs/Suruç. The city is located just a few kilometres from the Turkish-Syrian border, directly opposite the besieged and attacked city of Kobanê. The statement was made in connection with a large demonstration that took place.
“I joined the Caravan from France. Now I am glad that we have reached the Syrian border after a long journey. This is the right place to express our solidarity with the people of Kobanê and to support peaceful coexistence among people. We stand in solidarity with the people who have been suffering attacks from Islamist groups and the Turkish army for many years,” emphasises Elsa, speaking directly from Pirsûs/Suruç.
The Caravan was welcomed by the DEM Party/Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party.
“For years, the people have resisted the attacks of the Islamic State and finally defeated it. Now, the Kurds are once again being abandoned by the international community. Today, Kurds around the world are rising up against these attacks and are supported by their international friends. We thank you for the international solidarity with Rojava and the Kurdish people and welcome you to Suruç,” said Ayşe Sürücü, co-chair of the DEM party in the Urfa region, which includes the city of Pirsûs/Suruç.
Just this morning, new information emerged regarding negotiations between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Transitional Government. Members of the Caravan are cautious about the implementation of any agreements by the Transitional Government in Damascus. They will continue to support the people on the ground, regardless of political developments.
“We don’t trust any of Ahmed al-Sharaa’s words. We have repeatedly had hopes for peace in recent days. The ceasefires have been broken time and again by Islamist groups, and the massacres and displacements have continued. Therefore, we continue to demand political recognition of the democratic self-administration by the international community and a clear stance against the Islamist transitional government in Damascus. We also continue to call for humanitarian aid,” emphasized Ruken Doğan from Denmark on the sidelines of the press conference in Pirsûs/Suruç.
Press Contact:
Spokespeople and participants of the Caravan are available to the press for inquiries and interviews regarding the seduction. For specific information from Pirsûs/Suruç: Ruken Doğan: +45 276 09072 Caravan Spokesperson: Gesa Jonasson +49 163 1439287
