To our compatriots in struggle,
To the resilient people of Kurdistan under Iranian occupation,
To political parties and movements,
And to all freedom-loving peoples of the world,
The Middle East and the world stand at the threshold of profound and decisive transformations. The political map of the region is being redrawn, and the Kurdish nation—numbering more than fifty million and with a homeland known as Kurdistan, occupied and divided for nearly a century among Iran, Turkey, Syria, and Iraq—today raises, more than ever before, its collective voice for unity and independence.
The demand for independence is no longer a distant aspiration or a mere slogan; it has become a national and universal will. Past experiences have made it clear that halfway models such as federalism or autonomy only waste the sacrifices and blood of Kurdish youth. The only true path is full independence and the establishment of a free Kurdish state.
On the basis of this historical and political necessity, and relying on the universally recognized principle of the right of peoples to self-determination, we founded the Kurdistan Independence Movement on 5 January 2019. Our movement is rooted in the legacy of the Republic of Kurdistan in Mahabad and the Komala Zhîkaf, continuing their mission in the modern era.
Fundamental Principles
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The Kurdistan Independence Movement is a national, democratic, secular, and liberation movement dedicated to achieving independence for Eastern Kurdistan (under Iranian occupation).
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It is committed to human rights, social justice, gender equality, civil liberties, and human dignity.
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It upholds the principle of separation of religion and state, while showing respect to all progressive and democratic faiths and traditions.
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The official language of the future Kurdish state will be a unified and standardized Kurdish, while all dialects and local traditions will enjoy full cultural freedom in their regions. English shall serve as the second official language.
Political and Social Positions
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We reject fabricated concepts such as the so-called “territorial integrity of Iran,” which has historically served as a tool for the oppression and assimilation of non-Persian nations.
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The territory of Eastern Kurdistan consists of the provinces of Ilam, Kermashan, Sine, Urmiye, Lorestan, Lekistan, and parts of North Khorasan. The city of Kermashan is proposed as the capital of the future Kurdish state.
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Our struggle is waged not only in the field of resistance but also through diplomacy, lobbying, and international solidarity.
Cooperation and Solidarity
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We seek cooperation with all nations under domination and occupation: the Arabs of Ahwaz, the Baluch, the Turks of Azerbaijan, the Turkmens, the Mazanis, the Gilaks, and others. Together we strive to build a common front of nations for freedom and independence.
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We call upon all Kurdish independence movements and organizations to unite under a single national front, setting aside narrow partisan and personal interests to achieve our common goal: the independence of Kurdistan.
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We are committed to building independent media, think tanks, conferences, seminars, and cultural initiatives to deepen awareness and prepare for democratic state-building.
Global Commitment
The Kurdistan Independence Movement views itself as part of the global struggle of peoples for freedom, democracy, and justice. We believe that our cause will only succeed if it is connected to the broader family of nations and international organizations dedicated to the same universal values.
Kurdistan Independence Movement
Founded: 16 Befranbar 2718 (Kurdish calendar) / 16 Dey 1397 (Persian calendar) / 5 January 2019 (Gregorian calendar)
