Afrin Political Platform:

The Afrin Platform is a political initiative aimed at local political representation, striving to protect the interests of Afrin’s residents and defend their rights alongside Syrian democratic forces.

Establishment of the Afrin Political Platform:

The Afrin Platform was established in 2019 in response to the difficult conditions and challenges faced by the Afrin region, which had undergone significant changes due to the Syrian conflict and the involvement of external powers alongside radical military forces in the Kurdish region of Syria. The platform’s foundation arose from the urgent need for local political representation and the protection of Afrin residents’ interests and rights, working in coordination with Syrian democratic forces.

Main Goals of the Platform:

The primary goals of the Afrin Platform are to protect the rights of residents in this geographical area, with a focus on human rights issues and providing protection to local residents from threats and violations. Additionally, the platform seeks to secure international political representation and support the democratic transition in Syria by enhancing political participation for all, including minorities and marginalized groups.

Programs and Initiatives of the Afrin Platform:

The platform is dedicated to documenting crimes and violations against Afrin’s residents and their properties, as well as communicating with international and humanitarian organizations concerned with human rights. The Afrin Platform also organizes workshops and awareness sessions to enhance political awareness among Afrin’s intellectuals alongside other Syrians. Moreover, it has hosted several Syrian dialogue seminars to shed light on Afrin’s complex issues. The platform has also provided humanitarian and relief support to those affected by the earthquake, to the best of its abilities.

Later, the platform initiated the establishment of the Wheat and Olive Platform, representing parts of Afrin, Ras al-Ayn, and Tal Abyad, and worked with the Syrian National Front and its leadership for two years to strengthen democratic and moderate Syrian relations.

Interaction with the Syrian Democratic Alliance:

The Afrin Platform seeks active cooperation within the Syrian Democratic Alliance offices by participating in joint meetings and events, sharing resources and expertise to achieve common goals and aspirations. The platform consistently provides the Alliance with information and reports on the situation in Afrin.

Main Challenges of the Platform:

The platform faces several challenges, including ongoing security threats in Afrin that hinder political and developmental efforts. Additionally, there is a shortage of financial and human resources, which has impacted the platform’s ability to document and communicate effectively, organize events, and participate extensively in European and international conferences.

Another challenge is the partisanship, ideological divides, and paralysis that have made it difficult to restore trust among intellectuals and the activist community, given the numerous disappointments over the years. The platform’s solution has been to collaborate with the international community and international organizations to gain global recognition and secure political, humanitarian, and economic support.

Future Plans of the Afrin Platform:

The platform aims to build its institutional capacities to better achieve its goals and to develop its international relationships by strengthening ties with the international community and non-governmental organizations to secure greater support.
Additionally, it plans to continue its political awareness programs to support local residents’ political participation.