The Human Rights Association (IHD) Ankara branch launched a Peace Vigil demanding the defence of the right to peace.

Speaking at the vigil, Human Rights Association (IHD) co-chair Öztürk Türkdoğan said that the biggest problem in the country is the Kurdish problem and that it should be solved. Türkdoğan said: “The economic crisis is getting deeper and the country is experiencing a crisis in every field. A new peace process needs to be built. There are some ongoing debates about the HDP. We cannot achieve anything by excluding and demonizing the HDP. If it continues like this, Turkey will lose. The solution is through peace. We started a Peace Vigil to discuss all of this. Friends who will come together should express their opinions openly. We can find solutions by talking openly about the problems, not by targeting each other. More time should be spent with Turkey's 3rd largest political party. You cannot solve this problem by excluding Kurdish parties.”

The IHD chair said: “The isolation of Abdullah Öcalan and his friends in Imrali must end as soon as possible. Ill prisoners must be released immediately. The threat to close political parties must end. The jailing of human rights activists must end. Turkey should return to a real process of resolution and peace. Without excluding anyone. An atmosphere should be created where everyone can freely express their thoughts. Peace has been recognized as a human right. It is the right to demand and defend peace in all parts of the world. There is nothing more natural than defending peace in Turkey."

The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Labor Party (EMEP), Alinteri, Lawyers for Freedom Association (ÖHD) and representatives of many civil society organizations attended the vigil which was held at the IHD Ankara branch building. IHD members will get together every Friday.

IZMIR

IHD Izmir Branch also started a Peace Vigil in the association building. The banner "This land needs peace. We are on vigil for peace" was hung on the hall. Many people joined the vigil, as well as the President of the Peace Foundation, Hakan Tahmaz and the member of the Association of Military Opponents of Military Coups (ADAM-DER) Bahadır Altan.

IHD Izmir branch executive Ahmet Çiçek said: “All parties except the HDP approved the war resolution. This situation actually shows that the opposition and the government are acting with a warlike mentality. As democratic mass organizations, we want to raise our demand for peace. There is a Kurdish problem in Turkey, and unless this problem is solved, it seems that it will not be possible to achieve peace. Everyone knows that peace is not one-sided. In this sense, we are ready to take responsibility and do whatever is necessary together with the parties of the peace struggle."

Hakan Tahmaz, President of the Peace Foundation, said: “The IHD has opened a channel for large segments to bring the issue of peace to the fore. In particular, Turkey will enter the election process in 6-7 months, and I think that this election will determine the future of Turkey.”