We call on everyone to duty for the establishment of peace
12 May 2025
The ongoing period of conflict, which has persisted for over 40 years due to the state’s policies of rejection and denial regarding the Kurdish question, has led to grave social problems. As announced on May 12, 2025, we would like to state that we attach value to the PKK’s decision to dissolve itself and disarm, as it will end violations of the right to life and provide an opportunity to resolve the issue through democratic means.
For a democratic and peaceful solution to the Kurdish question, it is vital to confront the problems created by four decades of war and conflicts and to have a strong political will.
As human rights defenders, we have strongly advocated that dialogue and negotiation methods should be the basis for the resolution of the Kurdish issue under all circumstances, even during the most intense periods of war.
We know that peace will be beneficial for all living beings in our geographic area. Public opinion is aware that there are steps that need to be taken urgently by the state and the government to ensure that the negative peace that emerged with the decision to lay down arms today evolves into a positive peace in a democratic environment where human rights will be established.
First and foremost, the Republic of Türkiye, should remove the obstacles to the freedom of expression and freedom of association, as guaranteed by the international conventions to which it is a signatory.
All political prisoners, sick prisoners in particular, should be released immediately and anti-terror law should be repealed. İstanbul Convention should be re-signed.
Violence against women and hate speech, which is the most significant obstacle to LGBTI+ rights, should be put an end and all related rights and freedoms guaranteed by international conventions should be recognized.
As human rights defenders, we are genuinely thrilled. This is the thrill of the possibility of achieving peace, so once again we are saying peace is good.
In such a process, as human rights defenders, we remind that we expect a strong political will for the establishment of a lasting and honorable peace and that we are ready to fulfill our responsibilities.
Human Rights Association