The Union of Kurdish Students will organise a one-day conference titled “Kurdish Students Beyond the Homeland & the Struggle for Freedom” on Saturday 30 April at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London.

The conference consists of three panels, four workshops and an evening programme.

The organisers said that “this event will take attendees through an education journey from the roots of the colonisation of Kurdistan, to the current position of Kurdish students living away from the homeland and, for the final panel, a crucial evaluation of our future as Kurds. Within the line-up of workshops, we are providing the opportunity for attendees to study Kurdish oral literature ranging from all four parts of Kurdistan, Introductory Kurdish lesson, Jineology and Kurdish poetry.” Diving into Kurdish culture, history, literature, language and politics strengthens an understanding for the importance of Kurdish identity, said the Union, adding: “A strong sense of identity is the key to Kurdish freedom. In order to turn the idea of a Free Kurdistan into a lived reality, we must organise against the tactics that are at play. Tactics that attempt to keep Kurds away from their history. Students from colonised societies play a huge role in liberation. It is our responsibility to come into this role in order to create substantial change in Kurdistan and the Middle East.”