The Social Initiative for Peace, led by former European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) judge Rıza Türmen, has called on the Turkish government to provide a clear roadmap for resolving the Kurdish issue through peaceful dialogue.
During a meeting with the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party in Ankara on Friday, Türmen described the initiative as “a group of conscious citizens seeking a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue”. He added, “We aim to contribute by visiting political parties, exchanging views and exploring how we can help this process advance. We recently met with the [main opposition] Republican People’s Party, and now with the DEM Party, to further this dialogue.” Türmen also stressed that “a democratic Turkey is essential for a peaceful resolution.”
Tuncer Bakırhan of the DEM Party said, “Peace is not just a Kurdish issue but a matter concerning all citizens – workers, women and minorities alike. The government must present a clear roadmap for peace.” Bakırhan highlighted discussions that have been ongoing since 1 October, and expressed the hope that the expected statement from Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan would guide the process.
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The meeting also included DEM MP Pervin Buldan from the İmralı delegation, which is shuttling between Öcalan and other political leaders. Buldan shared insights from past talks with Öcalan, contributing to the approach of the initiative.
The Social Initiative for Peace, launched on 14 December 2024 with the motto “Peace and democracy for all of us,” has gained momentum, with over 1,000 signatories endorsing its call for a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue.
In a recent statement, the group highlighted the importance of resolving the underlying socio-political causes of conflict, advocating for democratic reforms, greater equality and human rights. The initiative emphasises the need for a peace process led by civil society alongside political parties, and for societal support in building lasting peace, and calls for immediate government action to address both the Kurdish issue and the broader socio-economic inequities affecting all citizens.
The initiative has further strengthened its call. On 27 December 2024, a declaration entitled “Peace and democracy for all of us” was published and signed by 1,043 citizens. The document condemned repressive measures – such as dismissing elected mayors and using police violence against peaceful protests – and argued that it is necesssary for true peace not only to end armed conflict, but also to address the social, economic and political roots of discord in line with international human rights standards. It urged the government to launch an inclusive, democratic peace process to resolve the Kurdish issue and restore societal cohesion.
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