My name is Omar AlIsso, and my life experiences have deeply shaped my commitment to advocating for the Kurdish people. I live in Canada, but originally, I am from Rojava, part of Kurdistan. From 1982 to 1995, during the Hafez al-Assad regime in Syria, I was detained as a political prisoner simply for being a Kurdish activist. I spent those years in jail without trial or court, witnessing firsthand the lengths oppressive regimes will go to silence the voice of minority communities.

Since my arrival in Halifax, Canada in 1995, I've taken on the role of chairman of the Kurdish community here. My mission is not motivated by special interests but by the urgent need to raise awareness about the Kurdish struggle for freedom and recognition. We have consistently faced repression and denial of our basic human rights just because we seek to express our identity and culture openly.

The Kurdish people represent one of the largest stateless nations in the world, and despite significant contributions to regional peace and stability, they remain systematically marginalized. It's time for the global community to step forward and recognize the Kurdish people's plight and their right to self-determination.

Let's push for international dialogues supporting Kurdish cultural and political recognition. Not only does this foster peace and stability in the Middle East, but it also ensures that the Kurdish language, heritage, and culture are preserved for future generations.

I am calling on governments and international organizations to take decisive action in acknowledging the Kurdish issue and in providing support for Kurdish autonomy and rights. Through this petition, I hope to build a stronger, global coalition dedicated to the cause of Kurdish rights and recognition.

Please sign this petition to stand with us in our quest for justice and liberty. Together, we can create change and ensure that voices like mine, and those of millions of Kurds worldwide, are heard and respected."