NEWS CENTER – Deputy Chair of the Amed (Diyarbakır) Bar Association, Silan Celik, emphasized that the ongoing peace process can only be sustained through legal guarantees and institutional protection. “The permanence and continuity of this process require it to be secured. These protections can only be ensured through legal safeguards,” she said.

 

The peace process initiated under Abdullah Öcalan’s leadership continues, with several steps taken by the Kurdish side. However, the absence of concrete measures from the state has sparked debate.

 

Evaluating the past year, Silan Celik said that many significant steps have been taken, highlighting the establishment of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission in Parliament as one of the most important developments. She added that the Kurdish Freedom Movement’s initiatives have contributed to what she described as a “negative peace,” but the process must now evolve toward positive peace.

 

‘CONCRETE STEPS ARE NEEDED’

 

Silan Celik argued that the Kurdish side’s actions should be recognized as part of its political will and that reciprocal and positive measures are necessary. “We hear that the parliamentary commission may visit İmralı and meet with Mr. Öcalan. Such a step would be crucial, as both negotiation parties must be able to communicate and participate actively in the process,” she said.

 

INTEGRATION AND LEGAL REFORMS

 

Referring to the integration theme mentioned in the Kurdish Freedom Movement’s recent statement from Qandil, Silan Celik noted that international examples also show that peace processes culminate in social integration. She stressed: “Legal reforms will both protect the process and ensure the continuity of a movement that has disarmed and declared its commitment to peace.”

 

She added that laws should address key questions such as the status and privacy of former militants, the handling of personal data, and the situation of those who sought asylum abroad. “These are all issues that must be discussed and regulated,” Silan Celik said.

 

‘CIVIL SOCIETY MUST HAVE SPACE’

 

Silan Celik underlined that beyond parliament and political parties, civil society organizations play a vital role in fostering societal reconciliation. “Civil society must be able to express itself freely if we are to achieve true social integration,” she stated.

 

‘THE PROCESS MUST BE PROTECTED’

 

Silan Celik emphasized the importance of the upcoming parliamentary report on integration, urging political parties to adopt a language of peace and promote reconciliation policies among different social groups. “The process must be placed under protection. Legal assurances will be key to ensuring its sustainability,” she said.

 

Speaking about the Amed Bar Association’s ongoing involvement, Silan Celik said the bar has formed commissions and sub-working groups to study the legal aspects of the Kurdish issue and contribute to the peace process. “It’s essential to identify which issues can be addressed first and what is most urgent in the negotiation phase,” she explained.

 

Finally, Silan Celik stressed the importance of institutional credibility and legal protection mechanisms. She concluded: “People must have confidence in both the process and those leading it. Civil society and institutions play a major role in ensuring safety and building trust.”

 

MA / Rukiye Payiz Adiguzel