Kurds for Labour Fringe Event: Standing in Solidarity with the Kurdish People

October 3, 2024

Speakers:

  • Cllr Sarbaz Barznji, London Borough of Lambeth Council
  • Shifa Barzani, General Supervisor of Kurdistani Diaspora
  • Ben Taylor, Labour Party activist
  • Bambos Charalambous, MP for Southgate and Wood Green
  • Feryal Clark, MP for Enfield North
  • Unmesh Desai, London Assembly Member

Key Highlights from the Discussion

The discussion commenced with Ben Taylor, who underscored the necessity of solidarity within the Labour Party and with marginalised communities. He emphasised the Kurdish community’s significant contributions to British society and their ongoing struggles, both in the UK and their homeland. Taylor urged the Labour Party to actively support the Kurdish community and address their concerns through robust domestic and foreign policies.

Shifa Barzani shared a powerful experience from the Aran conference, where he represented the largest stateless nation in the world. He expressed gratitude to the UK for its historical support of the Kurdish people, particularly in preventing genocide and providing limited assistance in Rojava. Barzani also brought attention to the discrimination Kurds face globally, calling for increased international recognition of their rights.

Bambos Charalambous voiced his solidarity with the Kurdish people, pledging unwavering support for their cause. He stressed the importance of raising awareness of the Kurdish struggle within the Labour Party and advocating for their rights across all levels of government.

Feryal Clark highlighted her work with Kurdish communities in East London, recognising their vital contributions to British society. She called on the Labour Party to adopt a stronger stance on the Kurdish cause and leverage its influence to advocate for their rights on the international stage.

The discussion concluded with a powerful call for ongoing solidarity and support for the Kurdish people. The speakers reiterated the need to raise awareness of the Kurdish struggle, advocate for their rights, and work towards a just and equitable resolution to their plight.

Key Takeaways:

  • Emphasising solidarity within the Labour Party and with marginalised communities.
  • Recognising the contributions of the Kurdish community to British society.
  • Acknowledging the ongoing struggles faced by the Kurdish people both in the UK and their homeland.
  • Advocating for the Labour Party to actively support the Kurdish community and address their concerns.
  • Highlighting the necessity of international recognition of the Kurdish people’s rights.
  • Calling for the Labour Party to adopt a more robust stance on the Kurdish cause and advocate for their rights globally.

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