Press Release – For Immediate Release
Date: July 11, 2025, Location: Hasana Cave, Iraqi Kurdistan
The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and World Human Rights (ELDH), represented by its Co-President Urko Aiartza, has participated as part of the international witness group at the symbolic destruction of arms ceremony held today in the Hasana Cave, Iraqi Kurdistan. This initiative, led by the newly formed Group for Peace and Democratic Society, marks a significant step forward in accelerating the democratic transformation process initiated by the Kurdish movement under the guidance of Abdullah Öcalan.
Today’s symbolic disarmament is a clear demonstration of the Kurdish movement’s unwavering commitment to a peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kurdish–Turkish conflict. It represents a powerful call to leave violence behind and pursue a future grounded in dialogue, justice, and democratic participation.
This process, guided by Abdullah Öcalan, deserves the solidarity and support of all those who believe in the fundamental right of peoples to live in peace. However, meaningful progress toward peace requires reciprocal commitment from all sides. In this regard, the Turkish government must also take concrete, positive steps to support the transformation of the conflict.
For many years, ELDH has condemned the ongoing solitary confinement of Abdullah Öcalan, considering it a violation of international human rights standards. Today, we reiterate that this situation is not only legally indefensible but also politically counterproductive. A lasting and just resolution of the Kurdish–Turkish conflict cannot be achieved while the key interlocutor for peace remains isolated and silenced. His freedom is a necessary condition for building a credible path toward reconciliation.
Furthermore, a democratic framework must be established within the Turkish political and legal system to openly address the roots of the conflict. This includes the creation of a parliamentary commission composed of legally elected representatives tasked with engaging in meaningful dialogue and negotiations on all aspects of the conflict.
A peaceful resolution also requires attention to related issues such as political prisoners, disarmament, reintegration, and reconciliation. These complex matters demand the active and cooperative involvement of all parties concerned.
In a global context where human rights and peace are under severe strain, the Kurdish movement’s initiative for a peaceful resolution offers a much-needed example of political courage and democratic aspiration. It is a process that those committed to democracy, human rights, and international law must support.
ELDH will continue to accompany and support the efforts of the Kurdish and Turkish peoples in their pursuit of a just and lasting peace.