Following Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society,” the process accelerated with the establishment of the “Commission on National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy” in the Turkish Parliament. The commission is expected to consult with NGOs, opinion leaders, and various social groups in the upcoming period. Fahrioğlu, a peace scholar and member of the Critical Peace Network’s secretariat, shared her views on the process, the parliamentary commission, and the role of civil society.

 

Ferda Fahrioğlu noted that lessons from the 2013-2015 peace process are being applied, and currently, the country is in a phase of “negative peace”, where armed conflict has paused. She stressed the significance of PKK’s unilateral decision to end armed struggle, stating, “This is very valuable and a difficult step, but on July 11, we witnessed a meaningful ceremony where weapons were laid down.”

 

‘THE PROCESS MUST ADVANCE IN A PLANNED WAY’

 

Recalling the state’s continued criminalization of Kurds under the shadow of weapons, Ferda Fahrioğlu argued that now, without the presence of armed conflict, conditions are better for democratic and legal steps. “The commission’s establishment signals preparations for legal regulations concerning disarmament and integration,” she said.

 

She warned against expecting a quick resolution, emphasizing the complexity of a multi-actor, multi-layered conflict that spans over a century. “This cannot be solved overnight; it must progress according to a carefully planned roadmap.”

 

‘CIVIL SOCIETY MUST PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE’

 

Ferda Fahrioğlu urged NGOs to be proactive in the process, not waiting for invitations but taking initiative to participate fully. She explained that while the commission’s first meeting was public, the second was held behind closed doors, which is normal in peace negotiations due to the sensitive nature of discussions.

 

She stressed that the commission should include sub-commissions with representatives from political parties, various social groups, survivors, victims, NGOs, and academics to ensure inclusive participation. “We as NGOs will insist on having these sub-commissions so that all layers of the Kurdish issue can be addressed with full input,” she added.

 

‘LEGAL GUARANTEES ARE CRUCIAL’

 

Ferda Fahrioğlu highlighted that legal protection for those involved in the process was a demand of the Kurdish side, but the initiative to establish such safeguards was rejected by the Parliament Speaker. She cited the 2013-2015 period when legal protections were introduced but later revoked, noting that many HDP deputies were prosecuted despite participating in talks. “Legal security is essential, but we have seen strong resistance from the government on this issue,” she said.

 

‘MEETINGS WITH ABDULLAH ÖCALAN WILL HAPPEN’

 

Regarding talks with Abdullah Öcalan, Ferda Fahrioğlu said that the demand for meetings is supported by many groups worldwide, not only the commission. “We know that behind the scenes, Öcalan is expected to meet with many groups soon, and this is also a request from him,” she said, adding that state officials have made promises to this effect.

 

‘NGOs’ WORK SHOULD BE PROMINENT IN THIS PHASE’

 

Ferda Fahrioğlu pointed to the extensive work done by NGOs over the years, saying it should be highlighted now. She mentioned projects like the “Peace Library” aimed at documenting peace efforts. “There are serious reports and data available, for example, the Human Rights Association (İHD) holds extensive information. The government should utilize these resources to inform the process.”

 

She also stressed the importance of confronting unresolved cases like enforced disappearances and exhumations as part of a comprehensive truth and reconciliation effort.

 

‘A PEACEFUL LANGUAGE MUST BE ESTABLISHED’

 

Ferda Fahrioğlu criticized the polarized discourse around the peace process. “On one side, the ruling AKP-MHP alliance frames the process with a ‘terror-free Turkey’ rhetoric rather than peace language, while Kurdish political parties emphasize identity rights and self-determination. This division fuels polarization.”

 

She urged all social actors, including media and politicians, to adopt a peace-oriented language to build trust. “If one side is criminalized or labeled as terrorists, it creates distrust from the start,” she noted.

 

Regarding the parliamentary commission’s language, Ferda Fahrioğlu said, “Although the opening speech used ‘terror-free Turkey’ rhetoric, subsequent remarks included quotes from Kurdish poets and references to peace. The government likely knows this language won’t work for the process but uses it to reassure its base. NGOs must continuously call for a genuine peace discourse.”

 

‘CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM’

 

Ferda Fahrioğlu expressed cautious optimism about the current peace talks. “We are in a phase of ‘cautious optimism.’ Peace itself is precious. We experienced a peace process for two years before witnessing increased rights violations. We are aware of this risk. If the process fails, harsher times may follow. So while hopeful, we remain cautious.”

 

She concluded by urging everyone to actively support the peace effort: “We all hold a part of the bricks and mortar of this peace building. It’s vital we recognize ourselves as actors and agents in this process.”

 

MA / Mujdat Can-Fethi Balaman