The Association of Kurdistan Martyrs' Families in Switzerland (KOMAW) held its third ordinary congress at the Democratic Kurdish Community Center (DemKurd) in Basel. The event brought together representatives of the Swiss Democratic Kurdish Council (CDK-S), the Kurdish Women’s Union in Switzerland (YJK-S), and many families of fallen freedom fighters. A new nine-member administrative board was elected during the congress.

The gathering began with an opening speech by KOMAW spokesperson Mustafa Karahan, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs of the Kurdish freedom struggle. Delegates then elected Ali Şimşek, Cemal Özdemir, and Gülsüm Tatlı to chair the congress council.

'Responding to the process is our fundamental duty'

Speaking on behalf of the council, Ali Şimşek underlined the historical and political significance of the congress, stating: “The history of the Kurdish liberation struggle and the paradigmatic upheavals in the Middle East are inextricably linked to the legacy of our martyrs. We will honor them and keep their values alive. We are going through an important process. It is our duty to hold a congress that matches the gravity of this process. We are working hard to organize a strong congress unitedly. Yes, the process is difficult. But responding to this process is also our fundamental duty. This is a fundamental demonstration of our loyalty to our martyrs. We can be worthy of our martyrs by realizing their dreams.”

The congress continued with a reading of the decisions taken at the 12th PKK Congress regarding the martyrs. Kurdish politician Sadık Batur also addressed the audience, emphasizing the deep meaning of honoring the martyrs and the increased responsibilities this new process imposes on everyone.

Batur: The struggle has entered a paradigmatic transformation

“The core values of our lives in recent centuries have been shaped by the sacrifices of the martyrs,” said Batur. “Once again, I salute all participants and begin by honoring our martyrs. Speaking of them is not easy—it carries weight. We renew our pledge to remain loyal to their sacrifices. The idea of a free Kurdistan has matured both intellectually and practically, and this vision has now taken root as a lived reality. The PKK has played a key role in this process and has fulfilled its mission. But this doesn’t mean the struggle is over. On the contrary, it has evolved into a new, paradigmatic phase that must be carried forward.”

Batur emphasized that KOMAW must play a critical role in this new process, stating: “KOMAW is one of the most important institutions of our movement. It must correctly understand and convey the reality of Kurdistan and our martyrs. Leader Abdullah Öcalan has not given up on the reality of Kurdistan, and neither will we. We will elevate the struggle in line with his vision and the values created by our martyrs. The armed struggle may have fulfilled its mission, but if our people or land are attacked, we will exercise our right to self-defense.”

CDK-S Co-Chair: Our belief in struggle comes from the families of martyrs

CDK-S Co-Chair Cemal Özdemir also addressed the congress, recalling that thousands have fallen during the PKK’s 52-year resistance.

“I salute all families of martyrs. As we know, the PKK recently declared its dissolution. This was not an easy decision; it comes after decades of resistance, during which we have lost tens of thousands of comrades. Throughout this history, the resistance of martyrs’ families has always been a source of hope. Our commitment to the struggle stems from the strength and resolve of these families. We also express our deep gratitude to Abdullah Öcalan for bringing Kurdish history to life and making these days possible.”

Peace Mother: We trust our leader and must strengthen his hand

Speaking on behalf of the Peace Mothers, Döndü Ergin drew attention to Abdullah Öcalan’s recent peace initiative and said: “Peace is not easy. We have come to this point by paying a heavy price. When my son decided to join the struggle, I told him not to go. He said, ‘I must go to secure a future for our children.’ Öcalan and our guerrillas have done everything possible, and now it is our turn. We must stand with Öcalan and strengthen his hand. Yes, there are many traps, but we trust our leader and believe that he will achieve peace.”

Martyr’s mother: We will never abandon the path of our martyrs

Another mother, Fatma Tören, spoke with pride about her child’s sacrifice: “I send greetings to Öcalan and all those imprisoned. We, mothers of martyrs, have paid a heavy price. But for a life of dignity, those prices had to be paid. Thousands of martyrs have no marked graves—that is our deepest pain. Yet we live with this truth, knowing the cost of creating this life. Our children fell for us. We express our eternal gratitude to Öcalan, who made this path possible. Whatever our leader says, that is what will happen. We will never abandon his path or the path of our martyrs.”

TCŞ: We have a promise to our martyrs

Speaking on behalf of the Revolutionary Youth Movement (TCŞ), Argeş Welat stressed the responsibility of Kurdish youth, especially those in Europe: “As young people, we will resolutely follow the path of Öcalan and our martyrs. No words can fully describe what they mean to us. But we will honor their legacy of resistance and fulfill our duties. Living in this capitalist world, we as young people must fight even harder.”

Throughout the speeches, the crowd frequently chanted slogans such as “Şehîd namirin” (“Martyrs are immortal”) and “Bijî Serok Apo” (“Long live Leader Öcalan”). The congress concluded with the reading and discussion of activity reports, which were then approved. A new nine-member KOMAW board was elected and will soon determine its internal leadership roles.