ISTANBUL – Human Rights Association (İHD) Co-Chair and lawyer Eren Keskin emphasized the importance of inclusive democratic reforms in the current peace process in Turkey. She stated, “A democratic constitution must be created where all identities in this region can express themselves and be represented.”
In the context of Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” on February 27 and the PKK’s subsequent decision to end armed struggle, Eren Keskin stressed that legal and political groundwork must be established by the state. She noted that peace is not a favour but a right and “The right to hope is an obligation under international law that Turkey must fulfil.”
Eren Keskin praised the PKK’s disbandment announcement as a realistic and important decision, saying, “The era of armed conflict is over. If we speak of a democratic republic, we must empower civil politics. The tools of war have changed; even phones can kill today.”
Calling for broad societal support for peace, Eren Keskin especially addressed Turkey’s working class: “This war steals from the working class. Yet, not even a single general strike has been held for peace. That shows a lock of demand.”
RECONCILIATION AND CONFRONTATION
Eren Keskin emphasized the need for collective memory and acknowledgment of Kurdish suffering: “The pain on both sides is not equal. Kurdish people haven’t even had the equal right to grieve. Kurdistan is a land of the dead without graves. Thousands disappeared, villages were burned, extrajudicial killings occurred. All of these must be addressed.”
DEMOCRATIC CONSTITUTION
She noted the importance of Öcalan’s call for a “Democratic Constitution”, explaining, “Turkey’s official ideology is based on exclusion. A genuine peace can only begin when this ideology is questioned. A new constitution must include all ethnic, religious, and cultural identities.”
CALL TO PARLIAMENTARY
Eren Keskin urged Parliament to establish a peace commission, stating: “Such a commission would contribute to the socialization of peace. Political parties, especially the opposition, have a major responsibility here.”
Eren Keskin concluded by underlining that peace would benefit all marginalized communities: “Peace would most benefit women, workers, LGBTQ+ people, and oppressed identities. This is not just about reducing violence, but redirecting national resources from war to life. Everyone should support this process.”
MA / Omer Ibrahimoglu