ANKARA – Dr. Osman İşçi, a member of the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) Central Council, who was invited to the Commission, emphasized that the process of resolving the Kurdish issue cannot succeed without hearing from Abdullah Öcalan. He drew a parallel with South Africa, noting, “The commission there could not conclude its process without meeting Nelson Mandela.”
The parliamentary commission, “Commission on National Solidarity, Fraternity, and Democracy” established to work on the democratic resolution of the Kurdish issue, held its first meeting on August 5 and has since convened three times. The fourth session, scheduled for August 19-20, will hear from groups such as the Peace Mothers, MEBYA-DER, families of fallen soldiers and police officers, and Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas.
Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party submitted a list of individuals and organizations it believes should be heard by the commission. Among them is Dr. Osman İşçi, who shared his insights on the process.
‘PEACE IS AT THE HEART OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENT’
İşçi stated that they have worked in close coordination with human rights organizations in Turkey for years, documenting rights violations and advocating for their prevention. He emphasised that the roots of the Kurdish conflict must be addressed, criticizing the state’s long-standing security-centred approach, which has fuelled four decades of armed conflict and serious human rights violations. He confirmed their commitment to monitoring and supporting any peace process.
İşçi explained that human rights defenders have closely monitored both periods of conflict and peace. After the Kurdistan Worker’s Party’s (PKK) ceasefire declaration, they intensified efforts to support a transition to genuine peace. He noted that the need for peace had been voiced long before symbolic moments, such as the October 1 handshake between Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli and DEM Party members.
Following Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” on February 27, 2025, İşçi said both national and international rights organizations, including United Nations (UN) special rapporteurs, took an interest in the process. On April 11, 2025, before the PKK’s self-dissolution, several rights bodies expressed support and emphasised the need for lasting peace.
‘KURDISH ISSUE AFFECTS ALL SECTORS OF SOCIETY’
Dr. İşçi welcomed the broad political participation in the commission (excluding the IYI Party), calling it a crucial step for legitimacy. He stressed that the Kurdish issue and related conflict impacts all aspects of society; not just Kurdish people or armed actors, but also the economy, gender, environment, and human rights.
‘OCALAN MUST BE HEARD, OR THE PROCESS WILL BE INCOMPLETE’
Dr. İşçi emphasised that the commission must listen to all relevant parties to ensure inclusiveness, transparency, and participation. He said: “The commission listening to Abdullah Ocalan should be considered natural. He is a central party to the issue. This is not unique to Turkey. In South Africa, the commission could not complete its work without meeting Nelson Mandela.”
Stating that Ocalan’s exclusion would render the process incomplete, İşçi added: “We’re aware of the isolation and absolute solitary confinement he has endured since 1999. But we also know he is not an ordinary prisoner, he is a political actor with influence. Without his input, the durability of peace is unlikely. His voice represents a significant constitutency.”
‘PREPARING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMISSION’
Dr. İşçi confirmed he has begun preparations to contribute to the commission’s work. As a long-standing human rights advocate in Turkey and globally, he plans to share both local and international experiences. He also mentioned his academic background, including a PhD focused on Northern Ireland, which he believes can offer valuable insights into peace building.
‘THE COMMISSION MUST BE INSTITUTIONALIZED’
İşçi emphasized the importance of the commission being legally recognized and its work: “My mother is 70, an illiterate Kurdish woman. For her, only the things enacted in Parliament feel real and lasting. Just as everything in life is regulated by law and protected by the Constitution, peace too should be made official through legislation. There is nothing more natural.”
MA / Melik Varol