Kurdish protesters highlight human rights concerns

Kurdish protesters and activists have taken to the streets in several European cities the recent weeks, protesting recent political and security developments affecting Kurdish communities in the middle east.

Protests across borders

According to Reuters, demonstrations have taken place in cities such as London, Lisbon, Oslo and Berlin. Pro-Kurdish protesters have reacted to the recent developments in Syria, Iran and Turkey, calling attention to violence, political repression, and the treatment of Kurdish minorities in the region. Reuters/demonstrations

Warnings of escalating human rights violation

Since mid-January 2026, military operations by Syrian government forces and allied militias have targeted Kurdish populations, using siege tactics that have led to mass displacement and severe shortages of water, electricity and food, according to Genocide Watch. genocidewatch.com

United Nations human rights experts have urged the restoration of peace and security in northeast Syria, citing serious human rights violations including deaths, displacement and restricted access to basic services. UN. press release

Sources reporting from Rojava in north-east Syria describe worsening conditions for civilians as renewed fighting coincide with winter weather. According to Novara Media, families fleeing violence are doing so in freezing temperatures, facing acute shortages of shelter, heating and basic supplies amid ongoing military pressure. novaramedia.com/2026

Organizing protest from abroad

Andam Aso Aziz the political spokesperson for the Kurdish democratic community center in Norway has been involved in organizing demonstrations in the country. He describes the current situation for Kurds internationally as marked by political instability, pressure and limited international attention.

“We are protesting against massacres of Kurds by Islamist groups in Syria and Iran, fascism in Turkey, violations of freedom of expression, political persecution, the imprisonment of activists, and civilian casualties in conflict areas. In addition, it is about the right to cultural identity and self-determination”, he says.

Although Aziz lives far from the conflict areas, he says developments in the region affect him deeply on a personal level. Following news about Kurdish communities creates emotional strain and influences everyday life.

“It is difficult to follow news that concerns your own people. It creates worry, anger and sorrow, but also motivation to stay engaged”, Aziz says.

Aziz adds that the situation affects both his work and daily life.

“Kurds continue to experience significant political instability and pressure in several countries where they live. Many feel that their right, culture and political representation are suppressed. I know several people who have lost family members and acquaintances. This affects my workday and my everyday life in general”, he says.

Aziz says he is involved in organizing the demonstrations to respond to the situation.

“I believe it is important to show solidarity and to use our voices when others are silenced”, he says.

He describes demonstrations as a peaceful way to raise awareness and create political pressure.

“Demonstrations cannot solve everything, but they can start conversations, influence public opinion and give hope to those who feel forgotten, Aziz ends.