Whilst the Peace and Democratic Society Process, launched to resolve the Kurdish issue, continues, various actions and events are being organised to discuss how peace can become a societal reality. In Amed (Diyarbakır), discussions on the process and peace were held as part of the Social Peace and Freedom Forum, which took place between 12 and 17 May. 

 

Yasemin Gülsüm Acar, a peace academic and signatory of the “We Will not be a Party to This Crime” petition who attended the forum, recalled the resolution process between 2013 and 2015, noting that it was easier to work on and discuss the Kurdish issue and related matters during that period. 

 

She noted that, compared to the past, there is still a demand for peace among the people today, but that there is also a sense of uncertainty. Yasemin Gülsüm Acar emphasised that all sections of society must work towards peace. 

 

She stated that her work focuses on rights-based peace, highlighted that two different perspectives on peace—such as “What does peace mean?” and “How does peace affect your life?”—cannot be reconciled in a single discussion. 

 

Yasemin Gülsüm Acar stressed that everyone must be part of the peace process, noting that during the 2013 period, some Kurds did not see themselves as part of the process. 

 

“Leaders may talk about peace, but peace must exist at the grassroots level. People must make peace with their neighbours. In other words, if it does not include everyone, it cannot be called peace. If the leaders make peace but we do not, this cannot last,” she said. 

 

She noted that there must be a genuine relationship between peoples at a societal level, and that only in this way can they understand what each other wants. Yasemin Gülsüm Acar noted that people who are hesitant to engage with the process or keep their distance must be brought into it.

 

MA / Berivan Altan - Mujdat Can