Mehmet Nur Ulus, co-chair of the Health and Social Service Workers’ Union (SES) in Diyarbakır (Amed), spoke to ANF about the vital importance of the peace process for a clean environment, unpolluted water and a healthy society. Ulus said, “The peace process is not only political; it directly affects ecological, cultural and public health domains as well.”
Ulus recalled that the renewed cycle of conflict following the 2013 process inflicted deep wounds on society. He stressed that the years of clashes had left a profound trauma on the population. He said, “People were subjected to pressure and hardship in every sphere of life. The only way to minimise this trauma is to erase the traces of war and rebuild an atmosphere of trust.”
Rights violations must end
Ulus noted that the 27 February call marked the beginning of a new phase, adding that both society and political actors have since voiced their demand for peace more strongly. He stressed that genuine and concrete steps are essential for peace to resonate within society, and that the government carries a significant responsibility in this regard. Ulus continued: “First and foremost, human rights must be upheld in every sphere. Violations in prisons and across society must end. Ill prisoners must be released. This is one of the most crucial steps in advancing the peace process. Likewise, the right to mother tongue is a central pillar of peace. A person is recognised through their language and culture. These rights must be acknowledged and secured through constitutional guarantees. At this stage, society’s demands must be heard. Peace becomes lasting only when the needs of the people are taken into account.”
The peace process is not only political
Ulus highlighted that women and children bear the heaviest burden of war and conflict. Ulus also said: “Children are being born with disabilities or in poor health. The most complicated births are happening in our region, and this is directly linked to the conflict. Peace is essential for a clean environment, safe water and a healthy society. The peace process is not only political; it directly affects ecological, cultural and public health spheres.”
It also begins to heal deep wounds
Mehmet Nur Ulus emphasised that rising violence, growing individual armament, social anxiety and the economic crisis are all products of war. Ulus said: “Both the period before 2013 and what followed left deep scars on society. People suffered losses, material and emotional. Those wounds have not healed. People are still demanding accountability for their losses and still mourning. Because everything progressed systematically, people were often denied even the right to mourn, or their mourning was delayed. War harms society not only politically but also morally and ethically. The only way to minimise this pain is to end the conflict. All sectors of society must take responsibility. For the sake of healthy future generations, this process must succeed.”
A healthy society is only possible with healthy policies
Ulus said that health workers will do everything they can during this process. Ulus added: “A healthier society is only possible when healthy policies are put into practice. The most effective way for people to overcome the traces of war is to build peace through concrete and lasting steps.”