WAN – Dr Neşmîl Qasimlo, the nephew of Dr Abdulrahman Qasimlo, has been documenting the human rights violations he has observed during his visits to Kurdistan since 1997. Noting that Turkey and the Middle East are anticipating different developments as a result of the Peace and Democratic Process achieving its objectives, Neşmil Qasimlo stated that the Kurds are charting their own course.

 

One of the leading figures in the Kurdish political movement, Dr Abdulrahman Qasimlo, was assassinated on 13 July 1989 during negotiations with representatives of the Iranian regime in Vienna. Dr Neşmîl Qasimlo, nephew of Dr Abdulrahman Qasimlo, has been visiting Kurdistan with various delegations since 1997 to investigate and document human rights violations in the region first-hand. Neşmîl Qasimlo shared her views with the Mezopotamya Agency (MA) on the “Peace and Democratic Society Process” and the physical freedom of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan. 

 

Noting that she has been making regular visits to the region for many years, Neşmîl Qasimlo stated that they have met with civil society organisations, associations, foundations and political parties to hear first-hand accounts of the human rights violations taking place. Dr Neşmîl Qasimlo stated that she has witnessed significant changes during this period, noting that much has changed over the years. Recalling that Kurdish parties were constantly being closed down and villages were being emptied in the 1990s, Neşmîl Qasimlo said that Kurds now enjoy better rights. Neşmîl Qasimlo noted that Kurds no longer simply expect things from the state but are actively exercising their rights. 

 

Pointing out that one of the most widespread human rights violations in the region is the restriction on the use of the mother tongue, Neşmîl Qasimlo highlighted that Kurds are unable to freely use their own language in education and public life. Stating that obstacles to mother-tongue education in schools persist, Neşmîl Qasimlo emphasised that this situation constitutes a serious problem in terms of fundamental rights and freedoms. Referring also to human rights violations in prisons, she described the postponement of the release of prisoners who have been detained for many years, under various pretexts, as “psychological torture”. 

 

Noting that the democratic system established in Rojava offers an important experience, Neşmîl Qasimlo stated that opportunities for democratisation for Kurds have also developed to some extent in Turkey. Neşmîl Qasimlo said: “A democratic system has been established in Rojava. In Turkey too, more opportunities for democratisation are emerging for Kurds. I view the ongoing Peace and Democratic Society Process as very positive and encouraging.”

 

Noting that a solution to the Kurdish issue would be a major gain not only for Turkey but for the Middle East as a whole, She pointed out that the state has failed to take the necessary steps and emphasised the need to guarantee and legalise the rights of the Kurds. 

 

Stating that the Kurds will no longer back down from their struggle for rights, Neşmîl Qasimlo emphasised that social transformation can develop independently of the steps taken by the state. Neşmîl Qasimlo said that even small steps, such as using Kurdish names for Kurdish cities and everyone learning and speaking Kurdish, would have a significant impact. Neşmîl Qasimlo noted that women are also a very important subject and that their struggles will ensure the process moves forward. 

 

She stated that whilst she has not had the opportunity to meet Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan in person, she follows his intellectual output through the works he has written and the ideas he has put forward, adding that Öcalan has maintained his productivity despite having been in prison for many years. Neşmîl Qasimlo noted that Öcalan’s ideas have had a significant impact on Kurdish society and she also remarked that the PKK’s decision to lay down arms as part of the peace process was very positive. 

 

“If Abdullah Öcalan were to regain his physical freedom, the process would be managed much more effectively. This would be a sign of sincerity towards the Kurdish people. This has not been seen so far,” she said. 

 

Neşmîl Qasimlo drew attention to the stance of international actors, particularly the US and Europe. Neşmîl Qasimlo noted that there are forces in Iran seeking to divide the Kurds and that caution is required in this regard.

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut