The Freedom for Öcalan UK Trade Union Campaign has welcomed the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) historic decision to dissolve its armed structure and reaffirmed its call for Turkey to take immediate and meaningful steps towards peace, including the release of Abdullah Öcalan.
In a statement issued after the PKK’s 12th Congress announcement on 12 May, the UK-based campaign — first launched in 2018 by major trade unions and inspired by their earlier work for Nelson Mandela’s freedom — said the development should be understood as a breakthrough moment that could transform Kurdish–Turkish relations and pave the way for democratic change in Turkey.
“We greet this news with hope and optimism, believing it may reinvigorate much-needed momentum for a renewed peace initiative — one that advances Kurdish rights and lays the groundwork for democratic transformation in Türkiye and the broader Middle East,” the statement read.
The campaign highlighted United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ response to the PKK’s decision, which he called “an important step towards the peaceful resolution of a long-standing conflict.”
The statement also cited support from Ireland’s Sinn Féin and their spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, who called it “a critical moment” in efforts to establish inclusive and just negotiations between the Kurdish people and the Turkish state. Sinn Féin reaffirmed its backing for a peace process grounded in justice, equality and mutual respect, and stressed that Öcalan’s release is essential for a political solution.
Related Articles:
London: TUC president lauds Kurdish struggle
Scottish trade union congress passes motion backing Kurdish peace efforts, Free Öcalan campaign
The UK Trade Union Campaign reiterated its longstanding position that Abdullah Öcalan must be released from prison and recognised as the key interlocutor for any genuine peace talks. The campaign called on Turkey to create the necessary political and legal conditions for his release, stressing this as a matter of international law and human rights, including his “right to hope“.
“This includes building a democratic Türkiye that respects women’s rights, ecological justice, and core principles of progress,” the campaign said.
Demands for Action:
The campaign listed a set of demands addressed to both the Turkish and UK governments, and the wider international community:
Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan: Turkey must release Öcalan and enable him to participate in peace talks under safe and secure conditions.
Political and Legal Reforms: The Turkish state must undertake broad reforms, mobilising parliament and securing cross-party consensus to enable an inclusive, durable peace process.
Review of PKK Proscription: The UK Government must urgently review the PKK’s designation as a terrorist organisation, arguing that its continued listing undermines democratic Kurdish advocacy and contradicts the group’s declared commitment to peace.
Public Endorsement: The UK Government must issue a public statement in support of the renewed peace initiative and engage diplomatically to encourage Turkey’s full participation.
International Support: Global actors — including the United States, the Council of Europe, and others — must formally back the peace process and press Turkey to implement democratic reforms and uphold rights.
End to Repression in the UK: The campaign also demanded an end to the repression of Kurdish communities in the UK, citing concerns over surveillance and criminalisation.
The Freedom for Öcalan UK Campaign is backed by some of the UK’s largest trade unions, including Unite the Union, UNISON and the GMB. It was launched in the UK Parliament in 2018 and follows in the tradition of international trade union support for global justice movements.
