After the European Parliament conference on the reconstruction of Kobanê, more than 40 local and international civil society organizations and political groups rolled up their sleeves.

Many projects are being planned, and the opening of a corridor has become a priority for reconstruction. All political groups and tens of NGOS in the European Union and European Parliament demanded the opening of the corridor.

European Parliament President Martin Schultz hosted the international conference for the reconstruction of Kobanê on July 1, and sent a video message in support of the conference. A European Union representative participated in the conference and stated that the EU would support the reconstruction of Kobanê.

PRESSURE FOR THE CORRIDOR WILL INCREASE

Representative Vasilis Bontosoglu said that the European Commission’s Directorate for Human Affairs mobilized its resources for Kobanê and the efforts would be implemented in coordination with Kobanê administration.

Bontosoglu stated this was a clear message of the European Union and Turkey’s opening its borders was vital for any aid effort. Sources state that the EU could take diplomatic action in favor of Kobanê in the near future.

All NGOs and political parties in the European Parliament stated that Kobanê’s reconstruction would require the opening of a corridor. International civil society organizations are expected to make a joint press statement on the topic and increase the pressure on Turkey for the corridor.

Despite the massacre that claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians on June 25 in Kobanê, the conference showed great determination for reconstruction. Construction projects on hospitals, schools, academies, women’s houses, playgrounds, ecologic sites, durable infrastructure, and cultural and artistic institutions are being implemented. Representatives of institutions leading some of these projects spoke to Yeni Özgür Politika on their efforts:

FUNDRAISING BY FRANCE-KURDISTAN SOLIDARITY ASSOCIATION

France-Kurdistan Solidarity Association president Sylvie Jan said that they collected 50 thousand Euros of aid for responding to the needs of refugees from Kobanê. Jan stated that Rhone Alp Municipality donated 20 thousand Euros on June 29 and more organizations have been contacted in order to augment fundraising efforts. Jan stated that Emergency Architects Foundation joined the solidarity as part of these efforts and Electricians Without Borders have been contacted recently.

WOMEN WANT NEIGHBORHOOD KITCHENS

Jan said that they would like the support of Cités unies France (CUF), an organization that functions as the international federation of communes, municipalities, cities, and regions. Jan stated that they would like to construct a neighborhood kitchen in Kobanê, which would not only provide people with food but also create employment opportunities for women in the city.

Jan said they are trying to increase the participation of French employers in the reconstruction of Kobanê, and demanding France to engage in the conflict more so that it plays a positive role in Turkey’s opening of a corridor. Jan stated that currently, the relation between France and Turkey are mostly economic.

Jan called on everyone to raise their voices for the opening of a corridor because of the corridor’s importance in the transportation of reconstruction materials. In response to the massacre where hundreds of people were massacred in Kobanê on June 25, Jan said that they would never give up in the face of such barbaric attacks and were more determined for reconstruction efforts.

France- Kurdistan Solidarity Association had made observations in North Kurdistan in August 2014 in order to show solidarity with the Êzîdîs who were forced to migrate after the ISIS invasion of Shengal. After listening to the problems of refugees here, association representatives started a fundraising campaign in order to support DBP municipalities.

EMERGENCY ARCHITECTS FOUNDATION PROJECT WORTH 500 THOUSAND EUROS

Emergency Architects Foundation went to Kobanê and made a report on its observations here. According to the information Sylvie Jan gave, Emergency Architects Foundation is creating an ecological and durable architecture plan and expects to participate in the reconstruction with a project of 500 thousand Euros.

ELECTRICITIANS ARE ALSO ON THE MOVE

Communal Center for Social Action (CCAS) also participated in the conference on the reconstruction of Kobanê and was represented by Giles Chatelain on behalf of president Michael Fieshi. CCAS is in partnership with EDF and GDF, French Electricity and Gas institutions, and is described as the largest and richest corporation committee in the country. CCAS is a leading force in social tourism and more than 400 thousand people stay in CCAS holiday resorts every year.

Giles Chatelain stated that they were carrying out field activities and have not yet formed a project. Chatelain said that EDF could not send units to regions under risk, and that they were trying to contact Electricians Without Borders in order to form a partnership and resolve this issue.

A PHILOSOPHY SCHOOL TO BE BUILT IN KOBANÊ

Belgian feminist Nele Vandendriessche working with the Şengal-Kobanê Committee stated that they were working towards constructing a school in Kobanê. Vandendriessche said that the school project would be pedagogic and encourage people to question everything in a way that resembles the Socrates method. Vandendriessche said that this was the basis of democracy and the project would be completed soon. Vandendriessche added that the school would teach in French and Flemish and their fundraising for the school continues.

AMUDE CINEMA WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED

Reconstruction projects are not limited to Kobanê and many NGOs work in other cantons. The Swiss branch of Medico International and the Civaka Azad-Frankfurt carry out a joint project in Amude.

Nil von Hentig spoke on this project and said that they were going to rebuild the cinema hall in Amude. The cinema had burnt down on November 13, 1960 when nearly 500 children were watching a movie in a hall with the capacity of 150 people. 283 children lost their lives in the fire, which was never investigated seriously. Hentig said that they would rebuild the cinema hall and also support Amude residents’ efforts to make their own movies.