On Thursday 12 June, the Centre for Kurdish Progress, in collaboration with MailOnline, hosted a powerful screening and discussion of the new documentary Rojava – Between Democracy and War at the UK Parliament.

Held in the Boothroyd Room of Portcullis House, the event brought together parliamentarians, journalists, academics, and members of the Kurdish and broader Middle Eastern diaspora to reflect on the extraordinary resilience and democratic aspirations of the people of Northeast Syria (Rojava).

The evening was moderated by Mamilan Hussein, Senior Lecturer at the University of West London, who facilitated a rich and wide-ranging discussion following the screening.

The documentary, produced by MailOnline, offers a rare and unflinching look inside Rojava – from the ruins of Kobane and Raqqa to the all-female YPJ militia, to the volatile camps where former ISIS members remain detained. It captures a region attempting to build a new model of governance based on grassroots democracy and gender equality amidst deep insecurity, external threats, and the legacy of war.

We were especially honoured to be joined by Dirk Campbell, father of Anna Campbell, the British volunteer who died fighting with the YPJ in 2018. His presence reminded all in attendance of the profound international solidarity that continues to connect people to the Kurdish-led struggle for freedom and equality.

Following the screening, the audience heard from:

• David Averre, Chief Foreign Reporter at MailOnline and presenter of the film

• Charlie Craven, Deputy Head of Shows at MailOnline and the film’s producer and cameraman

• Dr. Mohamed Moustafa, Representative of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC)

The panel explored the shifting political and security landscape in post-Assad Northeast Syria, the challenges facing the Autonomous Administration, and the critical need for sustained international engagement. Topics ranged from the future of ISIS detainees, women’s leadership in the region, to the broader implications of the Rojava project for peace and democracy in the Middle East.

We extend our sincere thanks to David Averre, Charlie Craven, and the entire MailOnline team for their outstanding work and generous collaboration in bringing this event to life. Their commitment to documenting and sharing the realities on the ground in Rojava made this important evening possible.

We also thank all who attended and contributed to this timely and moving discussion. The event served as a vital reminder of both the fragility and the promise of democracy in one of the most complex corners of the Middle East.