The Freedom for Öcalan UK Trade Union Campaign welcomes recent positive developments in the ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts between Türkiye and Kurdish representatives.
On 12 May 2025, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) released the outcomes of its 12th Congress, held from 5 to 7 May 2025, in which it declared full commitment to Abdullah Öcalan’s historic call to disarm and dissolve as part of a broader process of peace, democracy, and reconciliation in Türkiye. This long-awaited decision marks a pivotal step towards ending the decades-long Kurdish–Turkish conflict and has been welcomed internationally. We greet this news with hope and optimism, believing it may reinvigorate much-needed momentum for a renewed peace initiative—one that advances Kurdish rights and lays the groundwork for democratic transformation in Türkiye and the broader Middle East.
On 13 May 2025, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the PKK’s announcement, stating that “this decision, if implemented, represents another important step towards the peaceful resolution of a long-standing conflict.”
Ireland’s Sinn Féin, a consistent advocate for Kurdish rights and democratic peace, was among the first to respond. Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, remarked: “This is a critical moment in efforts to establish constructive peace talks between the Kurdish people and Türkiye.” He reaffirmed Sinn Féin’s unwavering support for a regional peace process based on inclusivity, mutual respect, justice, and equality—and stressed that Öcalan’s release is essential to achieving a political resolution.
As the Freedom for Öcalan UK Trade Union Campaign, we have long maintained that Abdullah Öcalan must be released from prison and recognised as the chief interlocutor in any meaningful negotiations with the Turkish government. We renew our call for Türkiye to establish the legal and political conditions necessary for Öcalan’s release, in line with his right to hope, and to respond to the PKK’s historic decision with a genuine commitment to peace. This includes building a democratic Türkiye that respects women’s rights, ecological justice, and core principles of progress.
We therefore demand the following:
- Freedom of Abdullah Öcalan: The Turkish authorities must release Abdullah Öcalan and allow him to assume his rightful role in peace talks under free and secure conditions.
- Political and legal reforms: The Turkish authorities must implement the necessary political and legal reforms—mobilising Parliament and building cross-party support for a durable peace process.
- Review of PKK Proscription: The UK Government must urgently initiate a review of the PKK’s proscription, recognising the group’s declared commitment to disarmament and political resolution. The continued listing undermines legitimate Kurdish democratic advocacy and enables the criminalisation of activists and community organisations campaigning for peace and justice.
- Public endorsement: The UK Government must issue a clear public statement supporting the renewed peace and reconciliation process and engage proactively through diplomatic, parliamentary, and multilateral channels to encourage Türkiye’s full participation. This includes advocating for a ceasefire, human rights protections, and a political environment conducive to inclusive negotiations.
- International support: The international community—including the United States, the Council of Europe, and other relevant actors—must formally endorse this new peace process and actively encourage the Turkish government to engage constructively. Diplomatic pressure and mediation efforts should be mobilised to ensure Türkiye upholds democratic principles, ceases military hostilities, and commits to a credible, inclusive, and internationally supported peace process.
- Ending the repression of the Kurdish Community in the UK.