Belgrade, 26 January 2026 – With more than 100 people from over ten countries, the ‘Caravan in Defence of Humanity’ has been travelling across Europe for three days on its way to the Syrian-Turkish border. Esterday evening, it reached the Serbian city of Belgrade. It is expected to cross the border into Turkey and leave the European Union on Wednesday, 28 January.
“We are glad that we have already made it to Belgrade and are getting closer to our destination, Kobane. Belgrade is an important stop because the city symbolises the flight of many thousands of people to Europe”, said Gesa Jonasson, spokesperson for the Caravan.
The war in Syria and the Islamic State (IS), which controlled much of the country for many years, forced hundreds of thousands of people in Syria to flee. Now Islamist forces are gaining strength again. These forces include not only the rebuilding IS, but also the Syrian transitional government itself. Ahmed al-Sharaa, a seasoned jihadist who has now gained international recognition, has risen to the top of the state.
This danger was repeatedly pointed out at many demonstrations and rallies along the Caravan’s route – a threat that not only affects the local people, but can also have an impact on security in Europe.
“The Democratic Autonomous Administration in Syria, which defeated IS and enabled different people in Syria to live together peacefully, is now once again under threat from Islamist forces. That is why we are setting off for Kobane”, Jonasson continued.
The Caravan has received tremendous support along the way. In all the cities along its route, whether in Zurich, Milan, Leipzig, Vienna or now in Belgrade, it has been welcomed and provided for by many people.
“The voices of protesters in Europe, solidarity campaigns, and our Caravan are being heard by the people in Kobane and the region,” said Zozan Kisa.
Only last night, the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, stated live on Ronahi TV: “Global solidarity and support have a positive impact on the international powers. At the same time, they strengthen and motivate our forces in the region. As long as there is no guarantee for the future of Rojava, solidarity must continue.”
Today at 9 a.m., the Caravan will hold a rally in Luka Ćelović Park and issue a press statement. Journalists will have the opportunity to interview participants in the Caravan.
From there, the journey will continue via Thessaloniki and Ankara and finally to Kobane.
Press contacts:
Caravan spokesperson: Gesa Jonasson +49 163 1439287
Press team for the Europe-wide Caravan: +31 6130 48773
About the ‘Caravan in Defence of Humanity’
The Caravan in Defence of Humanity is the self-organised European response to the war against the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria also known as Rojava. The participants in the Caravan are united by the goal of sending a strong message of solidarity with the resistance of the people in North and East Syria. The Caravan is travelling along various routes towards the Turkish-Syrian border and the besieged city of Kobane.
