YPJ leader says joining Syrian army would protect women's rights

DAMASCUS, Syria — Rohlat Afrin, commander of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), said in Damascus that the force should be recognized and incorporated into the Syrian army. She said the YPJ’s continued presence provides a safeguard for women’s rights in Syria. Speaking to Shafaq News, Afrin said the group has spent years fighting to protect women’s rights and will, as well as the country’s society, culture and language. She said securing women’s rights in the Syrian constitution is one of the group’s main demands. Her remarks came after an agreement between the Damascus authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces on the gradual integration of units into the Syrian army. The agreement did not include any clause on the YPJ’s future or on how such an integration would be carried out.