26 non-governmental organizations have launched a joint declaration on hunger strikes in Van.

The hunger strike resistance led by DTK co-chair and HDP Hakkari MP Leyla Güven has spread to prisons and many cities around the world.

The organizations that joined the initiative are as follow: TUHAY-DER, DTK, Eğitim-Sen, Tüm Bel-Sen, Yapi Yol Sen, Habersen, SES, Tarım Orkam Sen, BES, BTS, ÖHP, TİHV, MEYADER, TJA, DİSA DER, HDP, DBP, EMEP, ESEP, Human and Freedom Party, DISK, Van Hakkari Medical Chamber, IHD Van Branch, TIP, TMMOB and Çev-Der.

DTK member Star Güneş explained the initiative to the press. In the past years, death and permanent damages were suffered by those on hunger strike, said Güneş, adding that Turkey is one of the countries where hunger strike is most carried out as a non-violent way of protest.

Voicing concern about the current stage of the hunger strike, Güneş warned that deaths and permanent damages may occur in prisons. “We want to remind the people that there is nothing more important and valuable than human life.”

Güneş pointed out that the Turkish state does not even comply with its own laws as the hunger strikers remind the world with their fast demanding the end of isolation of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan.

Güneş said that Leyla Güven is on hunger strike as are hundreds of prisoners to ensure Öcalan is granted his rights.

Sahin Öncü and Bahtiyar Kemal, said Güneş, went on hunger strike action in Van prisons, and their health situation has reached a critical stage. “We insist that the hunger strikers be shown the necessary humanitarian sensitivity in order to prevent possible deaths and irreversible damages.”

Güneş ended his remarks by saying: “We invite the political power to take their responsibilities and answer to the demands of Leyla Güven and the other hunger strikers in order to prevent any loss of life and damages to their health. We stand for life and defend the right to life.”