A peaceful protest is taking place in Centenary Square today in support of the Kurdish people of Rojava.

Protestors will be meeting by the flag poles between 5.30-6.30pm to show Bradford stands in solidarity with the Kurdish community.

People can hear from members of the Kurdish People of Bradford and community leaders to learn more and look at what can be done next to support Rojava.

Councillor Richard Dunbar warned: "The right to peaceful protest is something which we should always actively encourage especially when acts of injustice are perpetuated. It doesn’t matter where in the world these acts of injustice took place.

"The Turkish Government invasion of the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria (otherwise known as Rojava) should be of grave concern to us all. The people of Rojava played a central role in defeating ISIS-so much so 11,000 of them gave their lives for the cause. Following the defeat of ISIS in this region Rojava proves that peace and freedom is possible in this region.

"The Turkish Government invasion risks setting this region back many years, will allow extremists to emerge again and increases the likelihood of genocide of the Kurdish People.

"This is a human rights issue and it is our duty to stand up, raise awareness and demand that our Government stands up for the Kurdish people and stating in no uncertain terms that the Turkish Forces must withdraw their military with immediate effect.

"We should all stand in solidarity with the Kurdish People at this difficult time. I am glad that people in Bradford will be rising up for Rojava”

Kurds are the largest ethnic minority in Syria. The community made up between 5 and 10 percent of the Syrian population of 21 million in 2011.