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Kurdish Human Rights Project: This is the legacy website of the Kurdish Human Rights Project, containing reports and news pertaining to human rights issues in the Kurdish Regions for 20 years.

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Fifth International Conference on the EU, Turkey and the Kurds Continues in Brussels
The Fifth International Conference on the EU, Turkey and the Kurds continues at the European Parliament today with sessions entitled 'EU Turkish Accession, Human Rights and the Rule of Law' and 'Ongoing Conflict: Different Perspectives'.

The morning session included a speech by Ozturk Turkdogan, President of the Human Rights Association in Turkey, who argued that the Kurdish Question is in fact a question of human rights and will be solved when Turkey treats its Kurdish population in line with international human rights standards. He highlighted the potential for reforms in line with the Copenhagen Criteria, as part of the EU accession process, to offer a way out of the current situation.

Jonathan Fryer, the Chairman of the Liberal International British Group, also spoke on the 'Role of Civil Society in Promoting Democratic Change', emphasising the need for Turkey to accept its multicultural society and to develop an understanding of Turkishness which embraces the cultural identities of minority groups.

'The process leading towards Turkish accession to the EU presents an opportunity for the two parties to work together to bring about lasting reforms that will ensure protection of the human rights of all Turkey's citizens,' said KHRP Executive Director Kerim Yildiz. 'Each year this conference plays an important role in ensuring that human rights remain on the agenda during the accession process and provides a valuable platform for debate.'

The annual event is organised by the EU-Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC), which aims to both promote and provide suggestions for Turkey’s bid for EU accession and to help guarantee respect for human and minority rights and a peaceful, democratic and long-term solution to the Kurdish situation. Founding members of the EUTCC include the Kurdish Human Rights Project, the Bar Human Rights Committee, Medico International and the Thorolf Rafto Foundation for Human Rights.

A translation of this press release into Arabic and Sorani is available here.