A delegation from Switzerland is travelling to Rojava 

2026-01-30 20:47:55


	 

	NEWS CENTRE - The Rojava Humanitarian Aid Delegation has set off for Rojava today to observe the attacks and siege in Rojava first-hand and to ensure the implementation of the agreement announced today. 

	 

	The Rojava Humanitarian Aid Delegation is setting off today for the regions of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. The delegation will observe the siege and attacks by HTS and gangs on the ground.

	 

	The delegation made the following announcement:

	 

	“The aim of the Swiss delegation is to observe the situation on the ground and inform the public about the political and humanitarian situation. The delegation is calling for compliance with the agreement published today between the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) and the Syrian Interim Government, and will monitor and observe the implementation process of this agreement in the coming days.

	 

	Purpose and scope of the delegation

	 

	A delegation comprising 13 journalists, politicians, artists and human rights activists from Switzerland and Germany will cross the Iraqi border into the self-governing regions in the coming days. The main reasons for the delegation undertaking this journey are as follows:

	 

	*The ongoing critical humanitarian situation and severe siege conditions.

	 

	*Concerns about genocide against various ethnic and religious minorities in the region.

	 

	*The urgency of monitoring and accompanying negotiations at the international level during this still unstable process.

	 

	*Efforts to establish peace in the region and pursue a path that reduces tension in the negotiations.

	 

	*Reminding Western governments of their responsibilities.

	 

	The current situation in the region

	 

	Since the attacks on Aleppo's Kurdish neighbourhoods began on 6 January, North-East Syria has become the focus of a new war. Among the forces seeking to control the region are the Syrian Interim Government army and militias, as well as Turkey and various proxy groups affiliated with it.

	 

	The city of Kobanê in the western region remains under siege by Syrian Interim Government forces and militias. The humanitarian situation, particularly in the medical field, is deteriorating. Due to shortages of medicine, fuel and oxygen, the Aykûr Children's Hospital has been forced to suspend its activities.

	 

	Contents of the agreement

	 

	The comprehensive agreement announced today provides for the following:

	 

	*Integration of the autonomous administration into the Syrian state, but with the SDF retaining its autonomy.

	 

	*Guarantees for the return of people forced to flee from Efrîn, Serêkaniyê and Aleppo.

	 

	Names on the panel

	 

	Franziska Stier: Member of the Basel-Stadt Parliament (BastA!)

	 

	Julien Berthod: Vice-President of JUSO Switzerland

	 

	Yves Henz: Member of the Zurich City Council (Green Party Switzerland) 

	 

	Moritz Alexander Haegi: Doctoral researcher at the University of Basel, activist, rap artist (MzumO)

	 

	Cyrill Hermann: Writer, human rights activist

	 

	Zehra Doğan: Artist, human rights activist.