Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chair Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar stated that isolation is a crime against humanity that poisons society as a whole and added that the 'right to hope' is not only a humanitarian right but also one guaranteed by international conventions. She said, “This universal right must be recognized and implemented immediately, without being subjected to bargaining or blackmail.”

Speaking to ANF, Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar said that the Kurdish question has surpassed the boundaries of the Middle East and has evolved into a global issue. She emphasized that the 'Call for Peace and a Democratic Society' by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan—an initiative to shift the Kurdish issue from a context of conflict and violence to one of political and legal resolution—is not only a proposal to address the Kurdish question, but also a promising path to end and resolve the broader conflicts in the Middle East. Uçar pointed out that this call has rendered the positions of states and groups—those driven purely by power and interest, without regard for any democratic, political, or humanitarian value—highly questionable. She stressed that it marks one of the most significant steps toward building a new and democratic foundation.

The state and those in power must present a roadmap

Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar stated that democratic forces and the Kurdish people have played a leading role in democratization, and that they are the guarantors of a democratic society and peaceful coexistence. She continued: “For a century, they have resisted denial and assimilation. They are fully aware that the second century cannot continue with these same policies, and that the conditions have changed. They are operating through an organizational model shaped by the concept of the democratic nation and propose it to all peoples. They see it as the path out of the current chaos. The Kurdish Freedom Movement, with all its components, has declared its full support for this call and its readiness to take part. Within this framework, concrete and confidence-building steps are expected. It is only natural for intentions and practical steps to align. The state and those in power, who now acknowledge that they are the source of the problem, must declare how they will overcome the mindset and practices that have caused it, and they must present a clear roadmap. Concrete legal and political steps must be taken, and the people must become active participants in this effort. Otherwise, in an atmosphere where there is no trust, it will not be possible to move forward, and no one will believe in the process. A historic opportunity will be wasted. Responsibility must be taken. A stance is needed—one that will encourage and strengthen both the steps already taken and those yet to come.”

There can be no bargaining over human and legal rights

Uçar stressed that no right guaranteed by humanitarian and universal legal frameworks can ever be subject to negotiation, adding that to do so is a disgrace to humanity itself. She stated: “Isolation is a crime against humanity, and it poisons society as a whole. The 'right to hope' is not only a humanitarian right but also a universal one, secured by international conventions. You cannot arbitrarily violate this right under the pretext of being a ‘sovereign’ country. In fact, the Council of Europe (CoE) has already given Turkey a deadline to introduce legal regulations on this matter. That is why this universal right must be recognized and implemented without being turned into a matter of bargaining or blackmail. There is nothing more damaging than turning such a right into a negotiation tool. If that happens, it will become clear that nothing has been understood from this process and that there is no genuine intention behind it. Much of society is already aware of this. What is needed is the immediate implementation of the 'right to hope' and the physical release of Mr. Öcalan. If this happens, everything will proceed more transparently and in front of society’s eyes; it will allow for public participation and the swift resolution of longstanding issues. Before the social atmosphere becomes even more toxic, quick and concrete steps must be taken.”