The “Commission for National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy,” established in the Turkish Parliament to address the Kurdish question, voted on the joint final report during its 21st and final session on Wednesday. According to available information, the report was adopted with 42 votes in favor, two against, and one abstention. With this vote, the commission’s work has been concluded.
“Right to Hope,” “Special Law,” and “Trusteeship Regulation”
The final report of the parliamentary commission contains significant proposals regarding the disarmament process of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the introduction of special legislation, the “right to hope,” and trusteeship regulations. It consists of seven main points. During today’s final session, further criticism, proposals, and assessments concerning the report were discussed. Following the session, the report was put to a vote and adopted by a qualified majority.
New legal framework
The draft report states that the laying down of arms by the PKK constitutes the most critical phase of the process and emphasizes the need for an appropriate monitoring mechanism by state security authorities. At the same time, it underlines that disarmament represents not only the end of armed violence but also the beginning of a new legal and political era.
In this context, it proposes the enactment of a special and time-limited law to regulate the process of disarmament and dissolution. The report stresses that this law must provide a comprehensive and democratic political framework to govern both the process itself and the period thereafter.
Return and democratic politics
The draft report recommends establishing a regulation that would enable the safe and fair return of individuals “who reject weapons and violence.” The stated objective is to move the issue entirely onto a legal and political plane and to strengthen the sphere of democratic politics.
Legal safeguards for all participants in the process
Based on previous experiences with dialogue and peace processes in Turkey, it is also proposed that legal safeguards be granted to individuals involved in the commission’s work, those who provide opinions, and those active within the process. The report emphasizes that the activities of these individuals must be legally protected.
“Right to Hope” and regulations on the execution of sentences
The issue of the “right to hope” was addressed in the draft on the basis of human rights principles. It was recommended that legislation on the execution of sentences be revised in line with the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the Turkish Constitutional Court (AYM).
It was also stated that the mechanism for suspending the execution of sentences for sick and elderly prisoners should be reassessed, that trial without detention should be established as a principle, and that fairness in the execution of sentences should be strengthened.
Monitoring and reporting mechanism
To ensure the smooth implementation of the process, the establishment of a monitoring and reporting mechanism within the executive branch was proposed. This mechanism would oversee implementation and assess the degree to which objectives are achieved.
Trusteeship appointments
Finally, the draft report proposed that in the event of the dismissal of mayors from office, a vote should be held within the municipal council instead of appointing a trustee.
Structure of the report
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, who chairs the commission, stated at the beginning of today’s session that the final report consists of seven main sections and a total of 60 pages. He noted that the report includes administrative and legal provisions and highlighted the following main points:
– The commission’s working process
– The main objectives of the commission
– The historical roots of Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood
– Areas of consensus emerging from the statements of individuals and institutions heard
– The dissolution of the PKK and the process of laying down arms
– Proposed legislation concerning the process
– Proposals for democratization
The report concludes with a section on findings and evaluation.
Report to include public annexes
Kurtulmuş announced that, in addition to the main report, five separate annexes would be prepared. These annexes would include a list of commission members, working procedures and principles, digital links to reports submitted by the parties, summaries of the 20 sessions held to date, and a list of consulted individuals and institutions. The full minutes of the final session will also be published in the annexes.
The Turkish people, Kurtulmuş stated, have paid a high price for many years, noting that addressing the issues within the framework of the parliament’s legislative and oversight functions is crucial for a lasting solution.
In view of the instabilities in the Middle East, Turkey must strengthen its internal peace, Kurtulmuş said: “Our response to these interventions is more brotherhood and integration.” He expressed that the common will of the peoples of the region—especially Turks, Kurds, and Arabs—would ensure stability.
Leave a Reply