In the run-up to the federal election on 23 February, the Confederation of Communities of Kurdistan in Germany (KON-MED) presented some relevant aspects and demands in the context of the Kurdish community. The statement issued by co-chairs Ruken Akça and Kerem Gök lists the following key points:

“Recognition of Kurds in Germany

An estimated 1.5 million Kurds live in Germany. The national subsumption must be lifted and the Kurdish migration community must be recorded as such, as it generates numerous problems in relevant areas (including statistics, educational work, asylum law, integration, teaching the native language). The Kurdish language must be implemented in multilingual institutional publications.

Inclusion in the sense of socio-political participation

Inclusion in the sense of socio-political participation should also fully include the Kurdish migrant community and its migrant self-organizations. The systematic exclusion of our association as the largest Kurdish umbrella organization is counterproductive and unacceptable.

Repeal of the PKK ban

The discrimination against Kurdish people in Germany due to political and civil society engagement must end. The ban on activities against the Kurdistan Workers' Party must be lifted immediately. This has a significant impact on Kurds in Germany; political participation and social participation are affected, as well as naturalization and asylum procedures.

Suspension of deportations

In the period from January to December 2024, 250,945 people applied for asylum. The nationalities with the most access are Syria and Turkey, a not insignificant proportion of which are Kurds. The protection rate is relatively low. The countries of origin are by no means safe for Kurds. Deportations must therefore be suspended completely.

Stopping arms delivery to Turkey

The German government recently gave the green light for the delivery of weapons worth several hundred million euros to NATO partner Turkey. Guarantees that these will not be used as part of the anti-Kurdish war, which is also illegal under international law, only exist formally. Turkey's attacks on northern Syria are a key aspect, the only correct consequence of which is the immediate cessation of all arms deliveries.

Recognition of DAANES

Germany is involved in the process of reorganization in Syria. The strongest partner on the ground in terms of a unified and diverse, democratic and equal Syria is the Democratic Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (DAANES). Recognition of DAANES and increased humanitarian aid there are essential.

Political solution to the Kurdish question

Parallel to the reorganization in Syria, initial talks are taking place in Turkey in the context of a political solution to the Kurdish question. It is still too early to speak of a new peace process. The transformation into such a process should be our common goal. Germany, as a close ally of Turkey, should exert its influence here. Stability and peace in the Middle East are not possible without a solution to the Kurdish question.

Abdullah Öcalan plays a key role

PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan plays a key role in a solution process. Germany must work for an end to the isolation and the immediate implementation of the relevant resolutions of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from September 2024."