We are all YPJ! Self-defence is our natural right.

Campaign in Support of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) – Announced by the Joint Platform for Women’s Movements and Organisations of Rojava and Syria

The right to self-defence against terrorism and organised violence is guaranteed by international law and conventions based on the United Nations Charter, the Geneva Conventions and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on peace and security. This is particularly important when women and children are the main victims of murder, kidnapping, displacement and enslavement. In recent years, Syria has experienced widespread crimes perpetrated by terrorist organisations against civilians, with women being subjected to the most appalling forms of violence and abuse, and children and women being exposed to all kinds of violations. This has imposed on society the responsibility to defend itself and the most vulnerable groups.

In these circumstances, there was a need for forces capable of protecting women, children and society, and of confronting the terrorism targeting human beings, their dignity and their right to life. From this perspective, the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) were formed.

Since their establishment in Rojava, the YPJ have proven to be the most effective force and the clearest symbol of women’s organisation throughout Syria.

Over the past few years, the YPJ have been one of the most prominent forces in the fight against terrorism, setting an exceptional example in defending humanity, dignity and freedom. They have been at the forefront of the fight against ISIS and other extremist groups, directly contributing to the protection of civilians, the rescue of thousands of women and children, and the defence of local communities in all their diversity.

The female fighters in these units have paid a heavy price in their efforts to protect Syrian society and humanity as a whole. They have suffered martyrdom and casualties in battles to defend cities and villages, as well as in confronting terrorism that has targeted women in particular. The role of these units was not merely military; they also served as a moral and social force that helped protect women from violence and extremism and reinforced the values of participation, equality, and justice.

The presence of Women’s Protection Units within the army guarantees its commitment to principles of peace and security. These units represent the army’s moral compass, rooted in a mindset that rejects the denial of others and is grounded in progressive ideas.

The presence of women in the army serves defensive and militant purposes by changing the mindset that rejects women’s will and rights.

Preserving the distinct identity of these units as a specialized women’s force is a national necessity. They have extensive experience in combating terrorism. They also have experience in protecting women. They contribute to security and stability. This would ensure recognition of their role, history, and sacrifices.

We, the Joint Platform of Women’s Movements and Organisations in Rojava, are launching a campaign in support of the Women’s Protection Units under the slogan ‘We are all YPJ! Self-defence is our natural right.’ and are demanding the following:

1. Recognition of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) as a regular armed force within the Syrian Ministry of Defence.

2. The preservation of the Women’s Protection Units’ structure as an integral part of the Syrian defence system in the Rojava regions.

3. Protection and consolidation of women’s achievements in Rojava, which have made Kurdish and Syrian women role models in the region and worldwide.

4. Releasing female detainees, returning the bodies of female martyrs, and revealing the fate of missing and disappeared women.

5. We call on the International Coalition and relevant actors to support the Women’s Protection Units’ inclusion in the Syrian Ministry of Defence’s structure.

6. As the Syrian Constitutional Declaration contains no provision restricting military service to men, the door is open to enhancing women’s participation in military and security institutions. We therefore emphasise the importance of ensuring women’s participation and organising it in accordance with the principles of equality and non-discrimination, including within special women’s formations such as the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ).

We call on all women’s movements and organisations, democratic forces and public opinion in Kurdistan and around the world to support our campaign and stand with the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). The YPJ has become a symbol of resistance and the defence of women’s freedom, as well as a symbol of the achievement of peace and democracy.

We also call on all international media to support this campaign, as it gives a voice to the struggle of women’s freedom.

The YPJ are not just fighters; they are the protectors of freedom and equality. Integrating them into the Syrian army will strengthen women’s participation in state institutions and allow them to benefit from their vast experience accumulated over years of war. It will also help to build a national defence institution that reflects the diversity of Syrian society and the sacrifices by its sons and daughters.

Long live the Women’s Protection Units, a symbol of dignity and struggle!

Glory to the martyrs and healing to the wounded.

Joint Platform for Women’s Movements and Organisations of Rojava and Syria

26 April 2026