The Socialist International urged Kurdish rights protection as a KDP representative warned unchecked militias threaten regional stability.
The Socialist International (SI) adopted a resolution urging greater political recognition and protection of Kurdish rights across the Middle East, as a senior representative of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) warned that unresolved conflicts and unchecked militias continue to threaten regional stability.
The Kurdish question remains insufficiently recognized despite the Kurds being one of the world’s largest stateless peoples. The resolution cited persistent restrictions on cultural and political rights in Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq, and called for “inclusive, negotiated political solutions” and constitutional guarantees for Kurdish rights.
In Iraq post-2003, the Kurdistan Region has gained several achievements, but there is uncertainty that Baghdad is reluctant to fully implement the constitution and the presence of non-state armed groups continue to destabilize the region.
KDP representative Hoshyar Siwaily reinforced those concerns in his address to delegates, saying that despite democratic progress in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, “militias remain a primary source of instability and require prompt, decisive measures to prevent further escalation.”
Siwaily said Kurdistan’s trajectory since the fall of Saddam Hussein has been shaped by a commitment to stability and prosperity, but that progress is constrained by Baghdad’s inconsistent adherence to the federal constitution. “The federal government’s reluctance to fully implement constitutional provisions and its failure to disarm militias have undermined stability and our progress,” he told conference participants.
The speech echoed themes raised in the SI resolution, which condemned political repression, arbitrary detention, and restrictions on expression faced by Kurdish communities across the region. It also urged states to recognize Kurdish cultural rights, democratic participation, and local self-governance as essential steps toward a “just, democratic, and peaceful resolution of the Kurdish question.”
Siwaily highlighted developments in neighboring countries, noting that “the peace process in Turkey offers hope for resolving a long-standing conflict,” while political shifts in Syria present both “difficulties and opportunities” for Kurdish communities there. He added that ongoing dialogue between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Damascus “could pave the way for an inclusive settlement that respects the rights and identities of all Syrians.”
The KDP representative also pointed to the Kurdistan Region’s recent elections, saying the vote demonstrated democratic resilience. “The Kurdistan Democratic Party… has re-established itself as a principal party in the Kurdistan Region and across Iraq,” he said, calling the post-election government formation process “an encouraging sign.”
The SI resolution praised the contributions of Kurdish civic groups — particularly women’s and youth organizations — to democracy and pluralism, saying the organization “reaffirms its solidarity with all Kurdish communities striving for democracy, equality, and peaceful coexistence.”
Siwaily closed by underscoring the wider theme of the conference: collective leadership in a turbulent era. “In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, no challenge can be solved in isolation,” he said. “We need collective leadership, creative thinking, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion so every person can live in peace, dignity and have their rights upheld.”
The conference was hosted by the Republic of Malta, with participation from global political leaders and SI member parties.
The Kurdish Globe