UN experts welcome Kurdistan PKK ceasefire after decades-long armed conflict with Türkiye – JURIST

UN experts on Friday welcomed the unilateral ceasefire declared by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) on March 1 after more than four decades of armed conflict with Türkiye, calling it a “significant step” toward peace and reconciliation in the region.

The experts, including members of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence, commended the PKK’s move as “a gesture of goodwill” that could foster new avenues for dialogue. They also called on the government of Türkiye to reciprocate the action by “refraining from further military operations” and engaging in meaningful efforts to address the root causes of the conflict. They urged both parties to facilitate independent investigations into alleged human rights violations committed by state and non-state actors.

“The ceasefire is an opportunity that must not be squandered,” the experts said in a statement. “This moment should be seized to prioritize peaceful engagement, ensure accountability for past abuses, and support long-term reconciliation efforts.”

The conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state began in 1984 and has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 people, including civilians. The PKK, which has been designated a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU, has long sought greater autonomy for Kurds in southeastern Türkiye.

Efforts at peace have been attempted multiple times. A notable ceasefire in 2013, brokered in part through talks between the Turkish government and Öcalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999, raised hopes for a permanent solution. However, that ceasefire broke down in 2015 amid renewed violence and political tensions, ending what was considered the most promising peace process to date.

The experts have expressed concern over recent reports of ongoing hostilities despite the ceasefire and have reminded Türkiye of its obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law. They encouraged the Turkish government to engage with civil society and Kurdish representatives in any future peace process and to protect the rights of minorities within its borders.

“The road to reconciliation is long, but this ceasefire can be a foundation,” the statement concluded. “Peace is built not only through the cessation of hostilities, but through justice, dialogue and respect for human rights.”

As of Friday, Türkiye had not issued an official response to the UN experts’ statement.