MEMBERS of the Coffs Harbour community gathered at the beginning of this month to raise awareness of the humanitarian situation in Rojava, Northern Syria, and its surrounding regions.
Rojava has experienced prolonged conflict and instability, where ongoing violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and undermined access to basic services.
Women, children, and members of minority communities such as Yazidi, Kurdish, and Druze, face significant hardship, including threats to safety, limited access to shelter and health care, and disrupted education.
Participants from diverse backgrounds met at Brelsford Park on 1 February and marched respectfully through the area, holding banners and signs calling for peace, human rights, and greater international attention.
A key message of the gathering was to request the Australian Government not to remain silent on issues impacting
women, children, and minority communities.
Organisers said the event was focused on building local solidarity while informing the public about the realities faced by people living in conflict zones.
“We… stand with families who are suffering from violence and displacement,” said joint organiser Khlef Dalaf.
“Our hope is that this community-led event encourages greater awareness and meaningful action.”
The gathering concluded at Brelsford Park, where participants observed a short moment of silence in honour of civilians affected by conflict and hardship.
By Kivi ABDO
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