The Women's Defence Units (YPJ) called on the international community and its organisations to end the state of occupation in northern and eastern Syria in order to fulfil their responsibility to respect human rights. In a statement issued on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the General Command of the YPJ pointed out that civil, political and social rights, which should be given to people for the sake of their dignity, are guaranteed in the YPJ in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"In contrast, life in the areas occupied by Turkey and its terrorist militias in northern and eastern Syria is characterised by war crimes and human rights violations. Day after day, the Turkish state's jihadist groups commit barbaric crimes. Often, women, children and the elderly are the targets of these violations of international human rights protection," said the YPJ.

Despite relevant reports on the looting, expulsion, rape, abduction and demographic change that began with the occupation - crimes that have also been documented by the United Nations, among others - the conditions in the Turkish occupied zone have so far been relativised or largely ignored. "The silence of the international public, however, strengthens Turkey in its actions contrary to international law and gives it legitimacy to intensify its brutal crimes in Efrîn, Serêkaniyê and Girê Spî," the YPJ General Command stated.

"Therefore, we urge the international community and its organisations to investigate the human rights violations and war crimes committed in northern and eastern Syria, to fulfil their responsibility to ensure peace, to end the Turkish occupation everywhere in the country and to prosecute all those responsible for crimes against humanity. To the women of the world and all peoples, we appeal to strengthen their struggles for their legitimate rights," concluded the YPJ.