The two-day Shengal Enlightenment Conference held in Shengal ended with broad participation and comprehensive discussions. Significant evaluations were made on many topics regarding the past, present, and future of the Yazidi community.
During the conference, a text titled “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” was read by Nayîf Şemo, co-chair of the Shengal Democratic Autonomous Assembly. The text included messages from Abdullah Öcalan addressed to the Yazidi people.
We need an autonomous and democratic status
The text included Öcalan’s call to the Yazidi community and the people of Shengal to actively participate in the peace process, take part in areas of resistance, and strengthen democratic organization. It also emphasized that the Yazidis should govern themselves based on democratic autonomy in accordance with their own identity and will.
The text said: “Leader Öcalan draws attention to the threats against Shengal; he states that autonomy must be protected based on strong will and self-defense. For the Yazidi community, a solution is not possible without an autonomous and democratic status. He insists that this principle must not be abandoned.”
The statement added that the Peace and Democratic Society process developed by Öcalan could be a gateway to a solution not only for Turkey but also for Iraq and Shengal. A call was made for “active participation in this process, strengthening Öcalan’s hand, and taking political-diplomatic steps.”
The text also emphasized that without ensuring Öcalan’s physical freedom, genocidal attacks against the Yazidi people cannot be prevented.
Throughout the conference, numerous opinions and suggestions were presented regarding the historical origins, cultural and religious structure of the Yazidi community, Shengal’s current status, and its future. Participants particularly highlighted the importance of societal organization based on democratic autonomy and self-defense.
Future work
The conference shared future work plans of the Shengal Social Sciences Academy. Proposals were discussed for research and community education programs to be conducted within the Academy.
At the closing of the conference, Kendal Çiya, a member of the Academy, gave a speech on behalf of the organizing committee. Çiya thanked all participants, institutions, and organizations who contributed to the successful realization of the conference.
Source: ANF News
