The Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) held its 23rd General Assembly on May 24–25, 2025, in the Netherlands, marking the organization’s 26th anniversary. The assembly was attended by numerous KNK members, representatives of Kurdish political parties, institutional delegates, and independent figures. Due to visa restrictions and bureaucratic obstacles, members from some parts of Kurdistan were unable to attend in person and instead joined the meeting online.

The assembly addressed not only political developments in Kurdistan, the Middle East, and the world, but also engaged in a comprehensive discussion of the Kurdish question and its resolution process. Among the key topics were the February 27 declaration by Abdullah Öcalan, titled 'Call for Peace and a Democratic Society,' and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)’s subsequent announcement of an end to the armed struggle. The KNK described these developments as a "historic and strategic turning point" and issued a statement of support.

KNK will mobilize all its strength for the success of the process

In its final declaration, the KNK described Mr. Öcalan’s call as a significant step toward a peaceful solution. The statement urged the Turkish state to take concrete steps to advance the process, halt military operations, and create a space for dialogue. It also emphasized the need for a neutral third party to be involved to ensure the process is both transparent and secure and said: "The 23rd General Assembly of the KNK considers the process initiated between Mr. Abdullah Öcalan and the Turkish state in Imralı as a positive development and openly declares its support for this process. We announce that, as KNK, we will mobilize all the resources at our disposal to ensure the success of this process. This process is extremely important for finding a solution to the Kurdish question in Northern Kurdistan (Bakur). At the same time, this development will have a positive impact on achieving unity across the other three parts of Kurdistan and among the Kurdish people as a whole.

As KNK, we call on all Kurdish political parties, institutions, civil society organizations, and our people to embrace and support this process. We also call on the friends of the Kurdish people and forces in favor of peace to support this process, not to leave the Kurdish people alone, and to make efforts for the success of this process. We make the following appeal to the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), all international institutions, and the international public: mere wishes and statements of goodwill are not enough. Use your relations with the Turkish state to help ensure the success of this process.

Likewise, we address the officials of the Turkish state: do not waste this opportunity. Open the door to Mr. Öcalan, release him, stop military operations, and bring this issue to parliament as soon as possible to create a political and legal basis for a solution. To ensure the process progresses in a healthier way, to build trust between the parties, and to enable monitoring of the process, a neutral third party is necessary. For this reason, we call on both sides: include mediating powers in the negotiation process. We hope for the success of this process and for the resolution of the Kurdish question, and we call on all parties to act with a sense of responsibility."

The situation in South and East Kurdistan

The final declaration of the 23rd General Assembly of the KNK addressed the ongoing political stalemates in South Kurdistan (Başûr), the failure to form a government, and demographic threats, warning that these developments pose significant risks to Kurdistan's current status. The declaration said: "South Kurdistan, as a free region with federal status, remains a great source of hope and pride for all Kurds. However, if these achievements are not protected and advanced, we may face serious dangers. Protecting the gains of the people of South Kurdistan is a national duty. The KNK is deeply committed to preserving these accomplishments. Our greatest aspiration is to see them furthered and placed at the service of the entire Kurdish people.

There is a prevailing atmosphere of uncertainty across Iraq, which threatens the status of the Kurdistan Region. Iraq is in the grip of a major crisis, and many external powers are exploiting this situation for their own interests by intervening in the country’s internal affairs. In the disputed territories covered under Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, Kurdish residents have been subjected to Arabization policies, while numerous international actors have laid claim to these lands. Unfortunately, during this uncertain and dangerous period, unity among Kurdish forces has not been achieved, and political fragmentation persists.

Although elections were held over eight months ago in Southern Kurdistan, no new government has been formed, nor has a regional president been elected. With Iraqi national elections approaching this autumn, unity on the Kurdish front has become a matter of vital importance. If we, as Kurds, fail to establish unity, our federal status and hard-won gains may be endangered. The disputed territories under Article 140 could be entirely lost. In fact, the demographic structure in many regions is already being rapidly altered. Therefore, all Kurdish forces must set aside internal conflicts, act in unity, and stand shoulder to shoulder to defend the achievements of Kurdistan."

The declaration also condemned the Iranian state’s policies of repression and executions in East Kurdistan (Rojhilat). It highlighted the increasing attacks on cross-border traders (kolbers) and issued a call for support for Iranian women and popular resistance movements.

Developments in Rojava and Syria

The declaration noted that the new political landscape that emerged in Syria following the collapse of the Baath regime was a key topic of discussion. It emphasized that the constitutional recognition agreement reached between the new administration in Damascus and the Kurds was seen as a significant step forward. The declaration called for this agreement to be officially recognized and implemented.

Conference and rally planned to mark 100th anniversary of the 1925 uprising

Following extensive discussions during the General Assembly, it was announced that the KNK would organize a national-level conference and rally in Europe to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1925 uprising and the martyrdom of Sheikh Said and his companions. It was also declared that, as in previous years, mass demonstrations would be held on the anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne, marking its 102nd year.

Call for equal representation in parties and institutions

The declaration noted that the General Assembly was held with the active participation of women representatives and emphasized the achievements of the Kurdish Women's Movement. However, it also highlighted that equal representation has still not been achieved. The statement stressed the importance of women taking an active role in politics, the recognition of their will, and the need to end all forms of discrimination. A call was made to all political parties and institutions to ensure equal representation.

Rights of faith groups and minorities

The declaration stated that the challenges faced by Yazidis (Êzidîs), Yarsanis, Assyrian, Syriac, Chaldeans, Central Anatolian Kurds, and Khorasan Kurds were addressed during the assembly. A call was issued to protect the rights of all religious and ethnic communities.

New executive body elected

On the second day of the assembly, Zeyneb Murad and Ahmed Karamus were elected as co-chairs of the KNK for a two-year term. It was also announced that, following a change in the KNK Charter, the number of members in the Executive Council has been increased from 19 to 23.

Unity, solution, and action

The declaration concluded with a call for unity and the development of a shared strategy among all political actors, institutions, and the Kurdish people across the four parts of Kurdistan, in pursuit of their political, cultural, and social rights.

The final remarks of the declaration said: "In this process, if we, as Kurds, achieve stronger organization and reinforce our unity, we can establish a lasting status for the entire Kurdish people. To do this, all political parties, civil society organizations, movements, and our people, both those living in the homeland and abroad, must stand closer together, acting with national and patriotic consciousness in deeper solidarity. Only then can we neutralize all the plans and projects prepared by occupying states against Kurdistan.

The current conditions in Kurdistan and around the world also bring serious responsibilities for us. We cannot move forward without correctly analyzing this crisis and identifying our shortcomings. Addressing these shortcomings requires serious and focused effort. In particular, a grassroots effort must be made to achieve national unity. There are still opportunities in this area. At the same time, we must take more effective steps at the international level in the field of diplomacy. In short: it is time for unity. It is time for solution. It is time for freedom. It is time for action."