As PKK's dissolution decision is awaited, 301 organizations come together! Democratic Unity Initiative established

In Diyarbakır, 301 organizations gathered the day before yesterday under the leadership of the DEM Party and the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), meeting ahead of the expected 'dissolution' decision following the congress held by the terrorist organization PKK. The “Democratic Unity Initiative,” announced at the meeting, has now shared its decisions with the public.  

The establishment of the initiative included DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları, DEM Party deputies and municipal co-chairs, the Democratic Regions Party, and representatives from various organizations.

The founding declaration of the Democratic Unity Initiative was read by DEM Party Van Deputy Gülistan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit.

Sayyiğit stated that "the initiative is shaped as a civil society platform aiming to build the unity of all peoples, faiths, and cultures," and said the following:

“The geography of Kurdistan represents a rich social mosaic with its multi-identity, multi-faith, and multi-cultural structure. Protecting this historical richness and heritage, and integrating it with a democratic society by blending it with a culture of coexistence, is the common duty and responsibility of all generations. The Democratic Unity Initiative, with the awareness of this reality, has been shaped as a civil society platform that aims for the unity of all peoples, faiths, and cultures in Kurdistan and the construction of a democratic life. This initiative, which prioritizes a fair, egalitarian, and democratic solution to the Kurdish issue as well as the democratization of Turkey, has set out to contribute to this struggle from the front of civil society.”

"WE ADVOCATE FOR THE STRENGTHENING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS"

Stating that they view the Kurdish issue as a "status problem," Sayyiğit said the following regarding the initiative:

"The Democratic Unity Initiative undertakes the advocacy of the rights and demands of all social segments that are denied, exploited, and subjected to injustice. It aims to struggle for the construction of a democratic and free life by taking a clear stance against all kinds of oppression, assimilation, and anti-democratic practices.

It struggles for the removal of all obstacles to the free development of culture and faiths in the mother tongue. It advocates for the existence of all languages and cultures in every area of life, primarily the right to education and instruction in the mother tongue. It advocates for cultural and artistic activities to be carried out freely in the mother tongue.

It opposes economic exploitation and carries out activities in coordination with labor organizations so that all workers and social segments can reach fair living standards.

It struggles against the destruction of nature and ecological devastation, and defends nature and ecological life.

It views policies of degeneration targeting youth and women as a serious threat to our social existence; it conducts a collective struggle against these threats together with all social segments, led by women and youth.

It accepts gender equality as a fundamental principle; it views the struggle against gender-based discrimination and violence as a priority responsibility.

It accepts the problems experienced by disabled individuals as an important social issue; it carries out joint work with disability organizations for solutions.

It evaluates the Kurdish issue as a problem of freedom, democracy, and status, and argues that its solution is possible through legal and constitutional regulations and the strengthening of local democracy.

In light of current developments in the Middle East, it aims to strengthen the joint action capacity of the Kurdish people.

Within the framework of universal human rights documents; it bases itself on the advocacy of individual and collective rights, and continues its work with determination to place the struggle for freedom and equality on a sustainable foundation."