MSDTwenty years have passed since the March 12 uprising, which was a societal reaction against the oppressive regime’s attempts to sow discord among the components of the unified Syria. However, the Kurdish people were aware of the regime’s conspiracy hatched against them by their social and political awareness. They did not drag into the conspiracy set by the regime, but defined their purposes and directly confronted the brutal methods employed by the Syrian authorities against innocent civilians. That uprising extended to all areas in Aleppo and Damascus. The people called for freedom and democracy, demanding change and democratic transition. This initial move became the cornerstone of the Syrian people’s revolution against the regime. It began in Daraa, exposing the oppressive behavior and corruption perpetuated by the regime. Subsequently, the uprising extended to all Syrian territories, turning it into a revolution that truly embodied its essence on March 12, 2004. Starting from peaceful revolutionary movements to the establishment of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). Later, the DAANES represented a perfect example and hope for all Syrians.
We, as members of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), commemorate the martyrs of the Qamishli uprising, we also remember all the martyrs of the Syrian revolution. For these sacrifices, we bear significant historical responsibilities. So, we will not waver in our commitment to achieve the goals and aspirations of the revolution, leading to a decentralized, pluralistic, and democratic Syria.
The March 12 uprising united the Arab-Kurdish stance against the oppressive regime, compelling it to retreat contrary to its plans of using Syrian components and eliminating their unity, particularly the Kurdish component. The regime exploited the national dimension of the Kurdish cause and the circumstances that coincided with regional changes at the time.
On this occasion, which marked the popular uprising in Syria against oppression, tyranny, and the violation of rights, we mourn all the martyrs who perished in March 2004 and all those who sacrificed during the Syrian revolution that began in March 2011. The March 12 uprising served as a starting point for this revolution. On this occasion, we emphasize that the course of the peaceful struggle and popular solidarity eliminated the regime’s will on March 12, 2004.
Therefore, we call upon all Syrians including individuals, powers, and parties to unite, overcome differences, and unify their stances, aiming at solidifying the principles of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, peace, and humanity. Let us work together to achieve the Syrian people’s aspirations for a dignified life and democratic change. We believe in the intra-Syrian dialogue because it is the correct approach to realize the demands for change, confronting upcoming challenges. The tragedy and the suffering of Syrian people did not take the priority amid intense regional and international conditions that did not align with the Syrian people’s aspirations.
On March 12, 2024
Syrian Democratic Council
