A roadmap for survival, justice, and sovereignty for the Kurdish people under international law
By Kurdish Policy Analysis
Rojhalat, the colloquial name for East Kurdistan stands at a pivotal moment. The Kurdish people have long endured oppression, marginalization, and denial of their basic rights. Today, there are eight essential steps that must be taken to secure the survival, dignity, and freedom of the Eastern Kurdish population. These are not requests—they are rights guaranteed under international law.
1. Right to Life and Security
The establishment of a no-fly zone and a buffer zone free from Turkish military presence is fundamental. Protecting civilians’ lives must be the first priority, guided by Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The 1991 South Kurdistan no-fly zone offers a successful precedent.
2. Right to Self-Determination
East Kurdistan must have the legal and political support to hold a referendum on its future, fully supervised by international observers. This right is enshrined in Article 1 of the UN Charter, as seen in South Sudan and East Timor. Even cultural expressions, like the Kurdish Newroz, reflect this innate national will.
3. Stabilization and Survival of the Kurdish Entity
Referendum results must be secured via international treaties and, where possible, UN registration. This legal recognition ensures that gains are permanent and prevents setbacks like those experienced in previous Kurdish referenda.
4. Protection of Human Dignity
Economic independence is critical. East Kurdistan must have its own central bank and monetary system, allowing local control over resources. This protects human dignity, supports development, and breaks the cycle of systemic impoverishment imposed by the central government.
5. Preventing Recurrent Oppression
A federal system, modeled after the U.S., should be imposed on Iran to guarantee genuine power-sharing. True federalism protects the rights of all peoples and minorities, preventing centralist dictatorship and repeating historical oppression.
6. Right to Legitimate Defense
Armed Kurdish groups defending their homeland must not be labeled terrorists. Their struggle is a legitimate defense and national liberation effort under international law. Misusing the “terror” label is purely a tool of repression.
7. Judicial Universality and Administration of Justice
East Kurdistan must have internationally recognized courts capable of prosecuting international crimes. Courts with universal jurisdiction will ensure justice for victims and end the impunity of perpetrators, even abroad.
8. Security and Freedom of Movement
East Kurdistan passports or international travel documents for activists and revolutionaries are essential. Experiences from Dominica and Palestine can guide solutions for undocumented citizens, guaranteeing the right to move freely and return home safely.
These eight principles are rooted in international law, human rights instruments, judicial precedent, and historical experience. The Allies have a legal, moral, and strategic responsibility to ensure their implementation.
The Kurdish nation does not ask for mercy—it claims its rightful place in history.
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