The General Command of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) released a statement on the occasion of the new year, expressing their hope that it will be a year of peace, freedom, and democracy for all the peoples of Syria.

The YPJ statement on Tuesday includes the following:

“We have experienced a year filled with significant events, including the conflicts of the Third World War. Amidst all this, there has been widespread resistance by the people. Throughout the year, the people of northeastern Syria and the defense forces demonstrated once again the resolve of our people against all forms of colonialist and genocidal attacks, reaffirming their determination to live freely and equally. Each year is welcomed with hopes for peace, calmness, and love. However, the occupation forces attempt to suppress these hopes with their inhumane violations.

As the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), we resist all threats that prevent women and communities from living freely across all domains. We are engaged in a struggle for existence.

Recent events in the region have marked the beginning of a new phase, especially for women and the people. This phase has intensified political and social crises in the region. We are in a challenging time when people are subjected to physical torture and psychological pressure because of their cultural identities and religious beliefs and are killed in brutal ways. What sustains communities is their cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity. Communities such as Alawites, Christians, and Druze face annihilation. Similarly, our region in northeastern Syria is targeted by planned attacks aiming at occupation and extermination.

In response to these violations and policies targeting nations, cultures, and beliefs, protecting social values becomes our primary mission. In the new Syria, the rights and safety of all cultural, religious, and national identities must be legally guaranteed. Women and communities must live in safety and freedom. Therefore, the need to defend and protect themselves is greater than ever.

In the new Syria, all women’s rights—practiced concretely in the autonomous administration regions—must be institutionalized. Gender equality, fair representation in shared governance systems, and social alliances must be foundational. Through this approach, Syria can become a democratic and vibrant model for the Middle East.

The Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) welcome the year 2025 on the fronts of resistance to protect the achievements of the revolution. Similarly, our brave people stand unwaveringly beside their sons and daughters.

At the start of every new year, we see renewed hopes. With the hope that 2025 will be a year of peace, freedom, and democracy for all the peoples of Syria, we commemorate all the martyrs of freedom through the legacy of Martyrs Ronahî, Arjîn, Yıldız, and Avaşîn. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to following the path of the righteous martyrs. As the YPJ, we extend our greetings for the new year, first and foremost to the architects of free life, Leader Apo, all the women of the world, our people, our comrades currently resisting on the frontlines, and all the families of the martyrs.”