AMED – Tahir Saçaklı, regional representative of the Human Rights Association (İHD), announced that they will submit their reports on past human rights violations to the Parliamentary Commission, emphasizing, “Subjects considered ‘untouchable’ must now be discussed, and a new social contract must be established.”

 

The “National Solidarity, Fraternity, and Democracy Commission,” formed in Parliament as part of the Peace and Democratic Society Process, continues its work. In its fourth session, the commission began listening to civil society organizations and families of those who lost loved ones during the conflict. The İHD participated in the session and is preparing to present comprehensive reports aimed at achieving a lasting solution to the Kurdish issue.

 

‘THERE ARE MANY PARAMETERS TO A SOLUTION’

 

Saçaklı noted that the Kurdish issue cannot be resolved without addressing its many dimensions, including enforced disappearances and unsolved political murders. “The right to burial and mourning must be respected for the families of the disappeared,” he said, calling also for the return of displaced villagers and the release of political prisoners.

 

Highlighting that İHD has documented all violations from the conflict period, he added: “We have a lot to say. Through our reports and solution-oriented recommendations, we believe we can make a serious contribution to the commission’s efforts.”

 

‘A NEW SOCIAL CONTRACT IS NEEDED’

 

Responding to Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Deputy Chair Feti Yıldız’s statement that certain constitutional articles should remain unchanged, Saçaklı argued that such rigidity reflects the roots of the decades-long conflict. “Social contracts must be inclusive frameworks where all citizens feel a sense of belonging,” he stated. “Expectations from this commission and this process include opening up discussions on issues that have long been considered taboo and forming a new social contract based on the consent of all segments of society. Mr. Yıldız’s remarks do not represent a constructive approach toward a solution.”

 

‘ÖCALAN MUST BE ABLE TO SPEAK WITH ALL PARTIES’

 

Calling Abdullah Öcalan one of the key actors in the process, Saçaklı stressed the need to allow him to engage in dialogue with all parties. He emphasized the responsibility of civil society and democratic mass organizations: “Because peace is difficult; it demands struggle. We are determined to walk this difficult path. Regardless of the conditions, İHD will fulfill its role in fostering and sustaining peace. We will continue our work across all seven regions of Turkey to support social dialogue and unity.”