Democratic Youth Community of Europe congratulates Kurdish people on 33rd anniversary of uprising

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Democratic Youth Community of Europe on Tuesday in a statement congratulated the Kurdish people on the 33rd anniversary of the uprising.

“As we commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the Kurdish people's uprising against the oppressive Ba'athist regime in Iraq, we reflect on the remarkable journey towards the pursuit of freedom for Kurdistan,” the statement read.

The statement also called the Kurdish uprising a “historic achievement” that paved the way for the emergence of the Kurdistan region.

“Central to the success of Kurdistan's journey towards freedom is the formidable strength of its army, the Peshmerga. With courage and determination, the Peshmerga have stood as guardians of peace, security, and liberty, not only within Kurdistan but also beyond its borders. Their relentless efforts have not only combated terrorism but have also served as a beacon of hope for oppressed communities worldwide,” the statement added.

The statement urged that we have to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of “democracy, human rights, and self-determination.”

“Let us stand in solidarity with the people of Kurdistan as they continue to fight for their rightful place in the community of nations,” the statement noted.

Civilians and Kurdish Peshmerga forces in the early hours of March 5, 1991, began revolting against the security and administrative offices of the regime for the first time in Ranya city, resulting in the surrender of hundreds of the regime’s soldiers.

The uprising soon spread to other towns and major cities in the Kurdish region. The Iraqi regime forces had also suffered great casualties as a result of the US-led coalition air campaign in 1991.

The uprising came following a decade of oppression, genocide, and ethnic cleansing campaigns against the nation, including the chemical bombardments of Halabja and Anfal, in which thousands of Kurdish civilians were killed en masse.