‘We Are One Nation, One Voice’ Kurdish Diaspora Declares at Cologne Newroz

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – In a heartfelt and impassioned address at the Kurdish Newroz gathering in Cologne, Germany, Shifa Barzani, General Supervisor of the Kurdistan Diaspora Confederation, delivered a powerful message of unity, solidarity, and unwavering commitment to the Kurdish national cause. Speaking before an enthusiastic crowd of Kurds from all four parts of Kurdistan, Shifa Barzani’s speech bridged the physical distance from the homeland with a deep emotional and cultural connection to it.

Shifa Barzani began by conveying the warmest greetings of President Masoud Barzani, noting his delight at the cohesion and spirit displayed by the Kurdish community in the diaspora. “President Barzani congratulates you on the joyous occasion of Newroz,” he stated. “He is deeply pleased by the unity, solidarity, and love shared among all Kurdish people from all four parts of Kurdistan.”

Describing Newroz as more than a cultural celebration, Shifa Barzani underscored its deeper meaning for the Kurdish people. “Newroz is not merely the celebration of a new year—it symbolizes freedom, renewal, struggle, and survival. It epitomizes rejuvenation. It signifies hope and optimism,” he said. In his view, Newroz represents the eternal bond between the Kurdish people and their homeland, as well as the continuity of their historical struggle for freedom.

Speaking directly to the Kurdish diaspora, he emphasized that the distance from home does not diminish their role in the collective Kurdish journey. “As we light the fire of Newroz, we are not merely commemorating a cultural occasion,” he said. “We are honoring and reaffirming the sacred bond between ourselves and our nation, our culture, our history, and our homeland.”

Shifa Barzani called for collective support for the Kurdish people in Rojava (northeast of Syria), highlighting this year’s Newroz theme: “Shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart – unity in support of Rojava.” he stated that the celebration carries a strong political and moral message to the international community: the Kurdish people demand the protection of their rights and the inclusion of Kurdish rights in Syria’s future constitution.

“Our cause is just,” he declared. “We must remain united, support one another, and protect and advance our national cause. We call on global powers to protect the Kurdish people from the threat of genocide.” He reaffirmed the right of the Kurdish people to self-determination, describing them as one of the oldest and most authentic nations in the Middle East.

Shifa Barzani placed the Kurdish struggle within the broader regional and historical context. He pointed out that attempts to erase Kurdish identity through genocide, forced displacement, and assimilation policies—whether Arabization, Turkification, or Persianization—have all failed. “Even if they continue their efforts for another thousand years—they will still fail!” he declared. “The only path forward is peace—peace founded on the recognition and acceptance of our legitimate and rightful national rights.”

His address concluded with a poetic tribute to the Kurdish people and their resistance across all parts of Kurdistan, from Mahabad and Qamishlo to Hewlêr and Duhok. He paid homage to the martyrs, the Peshmerga, and the mothers of the fallen, reminding the audience of the deep roots and enduring strength of the Kurdish cause.

“Newroz is the celebration of renewal and rebirth,” he said. “It is the triumph of light over darkness, of life over death, and of freedom over oppression.”

Shifa Barzani’s speech in Cologne served not only as a reaffirmation of Kurdish cultural identity but as a powerful political call for unity and action—resonating with Kurds everywhere, and reinforcing the global dimensions of their ongoing struggle for justice, recognition, and peace.

Kurdish Diaspora Unite in Cologne Newroz Celebration to Support Rojava

The President of the Kurdistan Diaspora Confederation told Kurdistan24: "Today all four parts of Kurdistan united at the Cologne Newroz celebration to show support for Rojava."

On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Ismail Kamil, President of the Kurdistan Diaspora Confederation, told Kurdistan24: "Today at the Newroz celebration in Cologne, we want to stand united with one hand, one heart, and one voice to demand rights for Kurds in Rojava."

Kamil added: "It is heartening that all four parts of Kurdistan are supporting Rojava and its legitimate cause. We hope for Kurdish unity and solidarity. God willing, next year Kurdistan will be independent."

He emphasized that the Kurdish diaspora gathered in Cologne not only to celebrate but to demonstrate the urgent need for unity. “We want to raise the colorful Kurdish flag and support our people,” he stated. “Unity is victory. President Barzani's message is clear that all Kurds should unite, support each other, raise the Kurdish flag, and advance the Kurdish people's demands.”

The Newroz celebration in Cologne was organized by the Kurdistan Diaspora Confederation in partnership with the German General Association. It brought together Kurdish communities from across Europe, sending a strong message of support for Rojava.

Akif Hassan, director of the Cologne celebration, echoed this message in his remarks to Kurdistan24. “We decided to organize a unified joint celebration for Newroz with the goal of supporting Rojava as it goes through a sensitive phase,” he explained. “It is the diaspora's responsibility to ensure that Kurdish people are not left without support in any part of Kurdistan, while also pressuring Damascus to recognize Kurdish rights in Syria's new constitution.”

Hassan noted that this year’s Newroz celebration was particularly significant: “This Newroz is one of resistance, freedom, and uprising. If we don't seize this opportunity, it may not arise again for another hundred years.” He added, “Today's Kurds are different from those of the past. Previously, few Kurdish diaspora members attended Newroz celebrations, but this Newroz everyone is coming together unified, sending a message that Kurds are united in voice and purpose.”

He also expressed gratitude for President Barzani's message to the Kurdish diaspora, saying, “Today, the Kurdish diaspora is responding to President Barzani's valuable message.”