Renewed Hope for Turkey-Kurdish Peace Process as Legal Mission Reports

One year after Abdullah Öcalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), issued a call for “Peace and a Democratic Society,” an independent seven-member international legal delegation has concluded its first mission to observe the legal developments of the ongoing peace process in Turkey regarding the Kurdish issue. The mission, undertaken between February 24 and 27, 2026, signals a renewed focus on legal frameworks to support lasting peace and stability.

Mission Background and Objectives

The Independent Legal Mission on the Peace Process in Turkey was established under the auspices of the European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights in the World (ELDH) and the Association for Democracy and International Law (MAF-DAD). The mission also benefited from the institutional participation of the Human Rights Institute of the International Bar Association (IBAHRI), the Union of Italian Criminal Chambers (UCPI), and Esculca.

The primary objective of the mission is to foster a just and lasting peace in Turkey, grounded in the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Peace (A/RES/71/189). The mission operates with full respect for the sovereignty of the Republic of Türkiye and its democratic institutions, guided by neutrality, transparency, and constructive dialogue.

Methodology and Consultations

The delegation engaged in extensive consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders, including human rights organizations, civil society actors, lawyers, and political representatives. Meetings were held with members of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission within the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. The mission intends to continue these consultations with additional actors as scheduling permits. A formal request has been submitted for access to İmralı Prison, where Abdullah Öcalan is incarcerated, and the mission awaits a response.

Preliminary Observations: A Year After Öcalan’s Call

The mission’s visit coincides with the one-year anniversary of Abdullah Öcalan’s February 27, 2025, call for an end to armed conflict and a transition to democratic political participation. Abdullah Öcalan, a founding member of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has been a central figure in the Kurdish–Turkish conflict since 1984.

Following Öcalan’s call, the PKK held a congress and announced the cessation of its armed campaign, declaring its intention to dissolve its organizational structure and undertaking symbolic confidence-building measures regarding weapons. Reports indicate that the armed confrontation has ceased, and stakeholders consulted expressed confidence in the commitment to this cessation.

Parliamentary Initiatives and the Role of the Commission

In response to these developments, the Grand National Assembly established the Commission on National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy, providing a parliamentary forum for debate on peace, democratization, and reconciliation. The commission’s final joint report, approved by 47 of its 51 members, represents a significant institutional step towards addressing the conflict within democratic structures. While opinions diverged on procedural issues, there was broad recognition of the importance of this parliamentary initiative.

Key Considerations for a Sustainable Peace

The mission identified several key considerations for advancing the peace process:

• Öcalan’s Role and Conditions of Detention: Stakeholders emphasized the importance of Öcalan’s continued role in the dialogue and called for a transparent legal framework governing his conditions of detention, allowing for structured and lawful communication with relevant actors.
• European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) Jurisprudence: The mission highlighted the binding nature of ECtHR rulings, including Öcalan v. Turkey (No. 2), and the evolving interpretation of international human rights standards regarding long-term detention and the “right to hope.”
• Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR): Advancing a structured DDR process requires a clear legal and technical framework with appropriate legal and security guarantees, involving direct negotiation between the parties.
• Women’s Participation: In line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000), the mission stressed the importance of ensuring the meaningful participation of women in all stages of the process.
• Rule of Law and Judicial Decisions: Strengthening public confidence in the rule of law, including the implementation of ECtHR and Constitutional Court rulings, is crucial. Cases such as Selahattin Demirtaş v. Türkiye (No. 2) and Kavala v. Türkiye were frequently cited.
• Legislative Amendments: Legislative amendments, particularly in criminal and anti-terrorism legislation, will likely be necessary to consolidate the process.
• Cultural and Linguistic Rights: Many parties expressed concern about the lack of concrete measures addressing basic internationally recognized cultural and linguistic rights.

Concluding Remarks

The mission encourages continued constructive engagement from all relevant actors and the advancement of the legal framework necessary to support lasting peace. This opportunity for dialogue holds significant potential for stability and the protection of human rights in Turkey and the wider region, provided it is pursued with transparency, inclusiveness, and sustained commitment. The mission will publish its final report in due course, offering further observations and recommendations.

Organizations Involved

• European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights in the World (ELDH): An independent European association promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
• Association for Democracy and International Law (MAF-DAD): Founded in 2006, this organization works to strengthen democratic structures and defend fundamental rights in Türkiye and Kurdistan.
• International Bar Association Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI): An autonomous entity within the International Bar Association dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally.
• Union of Italian Criminal Chambers: An association of criminal lawyers promoting the values of criminal law and a fair trial.
• Esculca: An observatory of human rights and civil liberties in Galiza, denouncing human rights violations by public authorities.