Kurdish Assembly UK

Kurdish People’s Democratic Assembly in Britain

[Kurdish Assembly UK @KurdsinUK]

Our Call to the UK Government: Support the Right to Hope for Abdullah Öcalan

History demonstrates that durable peace emerges through dialogue and political inclusion, not isolation. From South Africa to Northern Ireland, negotiated settlements were possible when key political actors were brought into structured democratic processes rather than permanently excluded.

Mr Abdullah Öcalan continues to be a significant political figure for many Kurds and a relevant interlocutor in any credible peace process. Over many years, he has advocated for dialogue, democratic resolution, coexistence, and human rights in relation to the Kurdish question. These positions should be engaged with seriously within any future settlement framework.

The Kurdish question cannot be reduced to security policy. It is fundamentally political, requiring democratic reform grounded in equality, representation, justice, cultural rights, and peaceful coexistence within Türkiye.

Mr Öcalan has now spent more than 27 years in prison under conditions of severe isolation. This remains a major unresolved human rights concern. In 2014, the European Court of Human Rights held that aggravated life imprisonment without realistic prospect of release violates the prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment, affirming the principle of the “right to hope.” Despite this, implementation remains outstanding.

Although repeatedly raised by the Council of Europe and its Committee of Ministers, Türkiye has yet to establish adequate legal mechanisms aligned with this judgment and broader European human rights standards.

As a member of the Council of Europe with long-standing relations with Türkiye, the United Kingdom has both a political and moral responsibility to support democratic dialogue and the implementation of international legal obligations.

Recognising the “right to hope,” improving detention conditions, and allowing conditions for meaningful engagement with Mr Öcalan could contribute to creating a more credible pathway towards peace. Exclusion, by contrast, risks reinforcing mistrust and prolonging instability.

On 28 May, representatives of the Kurdish People’s Democratic Assembly formally delivered the “Right to Hope” petition to Downing Street. A formal response from the UK Government is now awaited, and we encourage the Government to play a constructive role in supporting dialogue and democratic resolution.

A sustainable settlement of the Kurdish question would contribute not only to Kurdish and Turkish communities, but also to broader regional stability and democratic development.

#RightToHope #AbdullahOcalan #PeaceProcess #HumanRights #Democracy

[Simon Dubbins @SimonDubbins67]

https://t.co/XeKUI7aDmr

[Centre for Kurdish Affairs - UK @affairskurdish]

We welcome Minister Hamish Falconer’s recent remarks on Syria’s political transition and set out key priorities for inclusive governance, Kurdish rights, and sustainable stability in North and East Syria.
@HFalconerMP
@FCDOGovUK
@sydcuk
Full statement below:

[Kurdish Assembly UK @KurdsinUK]

Kurds and their friends gathered in London today to stand with the YPJ.

“We will not leave women’s achievements at the mercy of any system. Self-defence is our natural right!”

#WeAreAllYPJ #JinJiyanAzadi #YPJ #Rojava #WomenLifeFreedom #KurdsInUK #TrafalgarSquare

[Centre for Kurdish Affairs - UK @affairskurdish]

Our Call to the UK Government: Support the Right to Hope for Mr Abdullah Öcalan

Experience from many peace processes shows that conflict can be resolved when influential political figures are treated not only as security concerns but also as potential partners in dialogue. In South Africa, the transition from apartheid to democracy became possible when Nelson Mandela and the ANC were recognised as essential interlocutors. In Northern Ireland, the Good Friday Agreement emerged through a process that brought former adversaries into lawful political negotiations.

These examples do not ignore past suffering or abandon justice. Rather, they demonstrate that lasting peace requires a broader understanding of justice; one that includes accountability, democratic participation, reintegration and the prevention of future violence. When leaders with influence over communities and armed actors choose peace and democratic engagement, their inclusion can become necessary for ending conflict. Isolation and permanent criminalisation often deepen mistrust; lawful engagement can foster responsibility, transparency and hope.

The same principle should be applied to Mr Abdullah Öcalan. For many years, he has expressed support for a peaceful and democratic solution to the Kurdish question, emphasising dialogue, coexistence, equality and human rights. Regardless of political disagreements, he remains a key figure for a significant part of Kurdish society and the wider peace process. Any realistic policy must recognise this reality.

For a renewed process to succeed, Mr Öcalan must be able to participate under conditions consistent with human dignity, legality and meaningful dialogue. This requires ending restrictions that isolate him from lawyers, family members and relevant political actors. It also requires addressing his legal status through a transparent framework consistent with the “right to hope” and the standards of the European Convention on Human Rights. In this context, decriminalisation should not be understood as impunity but as removing barriers that prevent a peace-oriented political actor from contributing openly and responsibly to a democratic settlement.

The Kurdish question cannot be resolved through security measures alone. It is a political and democratic issue involving language, culture, representation, local democracy, equality before the law and the shared future of all peoples in Turkey. A peace process that excludes the person many Kurds regard as their principal interlocutor will remain fragile. One that enables his constructive participation can help transform conflict into democratic politics.

For this reason, European institutions, governments, parliaments and human rights organisations should support dialogue rather than isolation. Recognising Mr Öcalan’s right to hope, improving his detention conditions and enabling his participation as a meaningful interlocutor would be important steps towards peace, democratisation and reconciliation.

As British Kurds, our message to the UK Government is clear: Britain should draw on its experience in conflict resolution and support democratic transition in Turkey. Its expertise in dialogue, negotiation and peace-building can make an important contribution to the current process. We urge the UK Government to support efforts that build trust, strengthen democratic institutions, protect human rights and create conditions for lasting peace. A just solution to the Kurdish question would benefit not only Kurds and Turks but also regional stability and democratic progress across the Middle East. Britain should therefore actively support dialogue, the implementation of the “right to hope”, and recognition of Mr Abdullah Öcalan’s role as a key interlocutor in the peace process.

[Nobat Marri Baluch @nobatmarri]

Free Balochistan Movement protesters gathered outside 10 Downing Street today to mark 28 May, the day of Pakistan’s nuclear tests in occupied Balochistan, as a Black Day. Nearby, Kurdish activists held their own separate protest calling for a free Kurdistan and freedom for Ocalan. We stood together in solidarity against oppression and in support of the right to freedom, joined as well by PTM voices. Free Balochistan. Free Kurdistan. #FreeOcalan

[Kurdish Assembly UK @KurdsinUK]

Today we demanded that the UK Government take action for Mr Abdullah Öcalan’s Right to Hope.

History shows peace comes through dialogue, not isolation. Britain must support a democratic and peaceful solution to the Kurdish question.

#RightToHope #AbdullahÖcalan

[Kurdish Assembly UK @KurdsinUK]

Dear friends and comrades,

The YPJ, the women's defence forces of Rojava, are under threat.

Join us in London, Trafalgar Square, on the 31st May, 4pm as part of the international day of action.

In the process of integration with the Syrian Transitional Government, the fascist patriarchal mentalities are attempting to isolate and eliminate the advances of the women's revolution. The effort to eliminate the YPJ is a major step in this process.

To defend the gains of the Women's revolution, that has challenged fascism not only in Northern Syria but across the world, it is vital that internationalists stand with the YPJ and raise their voice in support and Solidarity.

See poster for details✌️

!!! WE ARE ALL YPJ !!!

https://t.co/UssuIOYZoG

[Kurdish Assembly UK @KurdsinUK]

Joint Press Release – A Call for Democratic Values, Justice & Common Sense

Over 800 police officers. Millions in public money. Months of prosecution. Yet no convictions, no proven threat, and now the organisation used to justify the case has formally dissolved and called for democratic politics.

Kurdish, British and Turkish organisations stand in solidarity with NADEK and the Kurdish community in Britain. We call on the UK authorities to end this futile prosecution and uphold democratic rights, justice, and public accountability.

The public deserves answers:
Who benefited from this operation?
What public interest is still being served?

#Democracy #Justice #Solidarity #NADEK #UnitedDemocraticOrganisation

[Adem Uzun @ad_uzun]

Celebrating 27 Years of the Struggle for National Unity: Happy 27th Anniversary to the KNK! https://t.co/aGjJRns2V9

[Kurdish Assembly UK @KurdsinUK]

Dear friends, democratic institutions;

We are at a critical stage in the case brought against our community centre and our friends, which was dismissed due to the jury's inability to be convinced. At this stage, a decision will be made regarding the dismissal or retrial of the case. Retrial of this case, which lacks a legal basis, will only create new injustices and waste public resources.

We are coming together on Sunday to voice our demand for justice and solidarity. We invite all our friends and democratic groups to support our press statement.

🗓 May 24, 2026 Sunday
🕔 17.00
📍 Kurdish Community Center, N4 1HU

[Kurdish Assembly UK @KurdsinUK]

!! GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION: We Are All YPJ - May 31 2026!!

The achievements of the women’s movement in North and East Syria are under attack—we will defend them with a Global Day of Action on May 31, 2026!

🌹 Join our Global Day with creative and diverse protest actions! Spread the word about the YPJs achievements, struggle and demands!
🌹 Inform us via email about your plans, then we can promote them as well via our channels: [email protected]
🌹 Call other organizations and comrades to join the campaign and the global day of action!
🌹 Make videos and photos of all of your actions and spread them via social media or newspapers. Send us the material and we will publish it as well: [email protected]

Long live the YPJ, a symbol of dignity and struggle! We are all YPJ! Self-defence is our natural right!

Call: https://t.co/z5bjIT0Mza
Material: https://t.co/hTDfGbPnMa

[Kurdish Assembly UK @KurdsinUK]

✊ We Are All YPJ — Self-Defence Is Our Natural Right

The women of the YPJ became a global symbol of resistance after defeating ISIS and defending freedom, dignity, and democracy in North & East Syria. Today, their achievements and existence are under threat.

The global campaign #WeAreAllYPJ calls on people everywhere to stand with women’s freedom, justice, and the right to self-defence.

📢 How you can support:
• Share the campaign
• Organise events & solidarity actions
• Send video messages
• Raise awareness
• Contact politicians, journalists & human rights groups

Every act of solidarity matters.

✉️ [email protected]
#WeAreAllYPJ #WomenDefendRojava #YPJ #WomenDefendWomen

[Kurdish Assembly UK @KurdsinUK]

It was a pleasure to host Erdogan Aydin and Aydin Cubukcu at a panel at the Kurdish Community Centre. The knowledge, historical insight, and experiences they shared with us were extremely valuable and deeply important. Thank you both for your contributions, wisdom, and for taking the time to share your perspectives with us.

[Kurdish Assembly UK @KurdsinUK]

Peray Ahmet — your commitment to the Kurdish community has created a lasting impact that words alone cannot fully describe. Through your courage, solidarity, and determination, you have given many people a sense of pride, strength, and belief that their voices matter. The Kurdish community deeply values and respects the role you continue to play in standing for justice, dignity, and representation. We believe you will continue serving these communities in the future with the same strength, sincerity, and dedication. ❤️💛💚

[Peray Ahmet @perayahmet]

As my time as Leader of Haringey Council formally comes to an end, I wanted to offer a few reflections 👇🏼

[Yeni Özgür Politika @y_ozgurpolitika]

📌İran halklarının ortak zemini: Jin, Jiyan, Azadî

◾️İran’ın geleceği inkâr, merkeziyetçilik ve baskıyla değil, eşitlik, kadın özgürlüğü, demokratik katılım ve çoğulculuk temelinde kurulur. ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’, halklarının geleceğinin sembolüdür.

https://t.co/pz3l0gHdOc

[PJAK UK @pjakukrojhelat]

Speakers at the British Parliament Conference: No to the Imperial and Mullahs' System; Yes to Democracy and the Realization of the Rights of the Nations Within Iran Within the Framework of a Democratic System in Iran.

[PJAK UK @pjakukrojhelat]

پخش مستقیم کنفرانس پارلمان انگلیس https://t.co/B5khlEazLF