The Freedom for Öcalan campaign, led by the UNITE and GMB unions and supported by more than 15 unions in the UK, sent a letter to Ian Borg, Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The campaign urged the Turkish state to take urgent steps regarding its policies towards Öcalan and its approach to the Kurdish question, stressing in particular the need to recognize Öcalan’s “right to hope.”
The letter recalled Öcalan’s call on 27 February 2025 for the dissolution of the PKK and disarmament. Campaign spokesperson Simon Dubbins said this call was a critical step that could open the way for peace and democratization in Turkey, adding that the country had an obligation to support the process. Turkey’s failure to take concrete steps and its refusal to recognize Öcalan’s right to hope were described as obstacles to democratic reforms.
Dubbins emphasized that the process was not only crucial for resolving the Kurdish issue but also for Turkey’s democratization and strengthening its international reputation.
As part of its work in cooperation with UK trade unions, Freedom for Öcalan UK organizes awareness events, panels, conferences, calls for international solidarity, and direct engagement with policymakers. The campaign aims to support the peace process in Turkey, secure recognition of Öcalan’s right to hope, and amplify the Kurdish people’s democratic demands on the international stage.
The campaign was launched in 2016 by the UNITE and GMB unions in the UK Parliament and has since been supported by 15 major unions. Its key demands include the immediate release of Öcalan, a peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kurdish question, and support for Kurdish civil society.