04.10.2008 - Source: BBC News

Semdinli, South East Turkey: 15 Turkish soldiers and 23 Kurdish rebels die in fighting close to border with Iraq ("Turkish troops killed in clashes") [ID 24919]

Document(s): Open document

06.05.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Southeast: According to officials, 2 soldiers and 5 guerrillas with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) killed ("Renewed Clashes In Southeastern Turkey Kill Seven") [ID 19898]

Document(s): Open document

08.04.2007 - Source: BBC News

Bingol, Sirnak: 8 soldiers and "village guard" killed amid violence between Kurdish separatists and government ("Kurdish rebels kill Turkey troops") [ID 19361]

Document(s): Open document

23.03.2007 - Source: Guardian

According to foreign minister Gul, members of parliament, military chiefs and diplomats, up to 3,800 PKK fighters prepare in Northern Iraq for attacks in the Southeast ("Turkish intervention in Iraq feared") [ID 19668]

Document(s): Open document

21.03.2007 - Source: BBC News

Kurds celebrate the solar New Year, but clashes and arrests mar the festivities in the Southeast; Diyarbakir: At least 70 people arrested after scuffles and stone-throwing ("Kurds mark festival of New Year") [ID 19209]

Document(s): Open document

10.10.2006 - Source: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

Kurds and forced displacement (more than 378,000 Kurds displaced and more than 3,000 villages destroyed in the 1980s and 1990s) ("A Minority Policy of Systematic Negation") [ID 18456]

"In the 1980s and 1990s, more than 378,000 Kurds were displaced and more than 3,000 villages completely destroyed as Turkish security forces forcibly evacuated Kurdish rural communities on the pretext of combating the PKK insurgency. However, the Turkish security forces did not distinguish the armed militants they were pursuing from the civilian population they were supposed to be protecting, partly due to their cooperation with insurgents. A so-called village guard system was established ostensibly to protect villagers from militants. In practice, villagers were, however, faced with a frightening dilemma: they could become village guards and risk being attacked by the PKK or refuse and be forcibly evacuated from their communities.

These measures were taken under the State of Emergency Legislation, which also allowed for “temporary or permanent evacuations of villages.” This happened in a most brutal manner: Turkish security forces and the gendarmerie burned down villages, abused their inhabitants, and forced them away from their former homes. The operations were characterized by scores of “disappearances” and extrajudicial executions, torture, and other abuses.

Upon arriving in towns and cities after being evacuated from their villages, most were unable to find employment which soon hindered them from gaining access to health care and education and, in the long term, precipitated them in poverty and social exclusion."

Document(s): Report
Press Release

10.10.2006 - Source: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

Kurds and forced displacement ("Return to Village and Rehabilitation Project") ("A Minority Policy of Systematic Negation") [ID 18457]

"In 1994, the Turkish government launched the “Return to Village and Rehabilitation Project” to facilitate the return of IDPs, yet, for over a decade, the project remained under-funded, abstract, slow, and arbitrary. In 2004, there were signs hat the government was beginning to realize that is policy on returns was in need of improvement and thus undertook to invigorate it. It formulated three promising initiatives, namely establishing a new government agency with special responsibility for IDPs, cooperating with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to help IDPs, and passing a law on providing compensation for the displaced (Law no. 5233 on Compensation for Damage Arising from Terror and Combatting Terror).

While the new government agency never came about, the UNDP program, however, was concretized when the UN agency launched the “Support to the Development of an IDP Program in Turkey” project at the “Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Conference” in Ankara on 23 February 2006. The conference, co-organized with the Ministry of Interior as UNDP’s main partner in the IDP project, involved more than 80 participants from the Turkish government, national and international civil society organizations and international organizations.

Despite its promising and positive contents, the Compensation Law is still not being implemented to successfully restitute the rights violated in the context of forced migration. First and foremost, shortcoming in the scope of the Compensation Law create discrimination among IDPs, for example between those who suffered damages of property as opposed to those who suffered damages on life and body of a person, pain, or suffering. Second, the law requires a discouragingly lengthy and difficult judicial process, which is in part caused by a lack of independence and composition of the assessment commissions, criteria for excluding applications, limits on acceptable forms of evidence to support claims, the lack of legal support to help people make claims, and inadequate mechanisms to appeal against decisions by the commissions.

The “Return to Village and Rehabilitation Project” also faces obstacles specifically relating to returns. For example, IDPs are often not able to return to their own villages, but resettled in a different rural area in the same region, aid is restricted to villagers, and the infrastructure is inadequate. In addition, dire economic conditions hinder returnees from regaining their livelihoods, and the village guard system still causes security threats to returnees."

Document(s): Report
Press Release

14.09.2006 - Source: EurasiaNet

Diyarbakir: Suspected Kurdish separatist bomb attack reportedly kills 10, including 7 children ("Turkey at Crossroads as Separatist Violence Rises") [ID 19208]

Document(s): Open document

18.08.2006 - Source: Guardian

Turkey and Iran dispatch tanks and thousand of soldiers to frontiers with Iraq to fight Kurdish rebel bases; after shelling by the Iranian army scores of Kurds have fled their homes ("Kurds flee homes as Iran shells Iraq's northern frontier") [ID 17577]

Document(s): Open document

05.06.2006 - Source: BBC News

Sakarya province: Reportedly one woman killed and 2 others (one woman, one child) injured in blast at military base ("Blast rocks Turkish military base") [ID 15767]

Document(s): Open document

02.06.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Sirnak: One soldier and 4 Kurdish fighters killed in clash ("Five Killed In Turkey's Kurdish Region") [ID 15765]

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2006 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Iraqi villagers displaced by shellings on the border of Turkey, Iran and Iraq; on April 21 Iranian troops assaulted opposition group linked to PKK; Turkey reinforced its presence on the frontier ("Officials warn of displacement following attacks") [ID 15760]

Document(s): Open document

16.04.2006 - Source: BBC News

Istanbul: 31 injured in bomb blast; after recent violence in mainly Kurdish South-East Kurdish militants committed several bomb attacks ("Istanbul blast leaves 31 injured") [#49376],  [ID 15605]

Document(s): Open document

12.04.2006 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Southeastern Turkey: Human Rights Watch researcher detained by police while carrying out research in predominately Kurdish region into abuses allegedly involving Turkish gendarmerie and government-armed local defense units called "village guards" ("Turkey: Human Rights Watch Researcher Detained in Kurdish Area") [#49038],  [ID 15598]

Document(s): Open document

12.04.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Sirnak: 12 Kurdish fighters and 2 soldiers killed in clash in area of Besta-Dereler ("Turkish Troops Kill 12 Kurdish Rebels") [#48998],  [ID 15604]

Document(s): Open document

08.04.2006 - Source: BBC News

Istanbul: 2 gunmen detained after seizing 2 hostages at a fast-food restaurant; gunmen believed to be soldiers protesting against recent violence involving Kurdish militants ("Gun drama at Turkish restaurant") [#48691],  [ID 15590]

Document(s): Open document

03.04.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

15 persons killed in one week of violence between Kurdish protesters and police ("Fifteen Dead In Week Of Violence In Turkey") [#48145],  [ID 15524]

Document(s): Open document

03.04.2006 - Source: BBC News

2 more people died of injuries sustained in clashes between security forces and Kurdish protesters in the Southeast ("Two more die after Turkey rioting") [#48181],  [ID 15525]

Document(s): Open document

30.03.2006 - Source: BBC News

2 Kurdish protesters died and dozens injured in rioting in the Southeast ("Turkish Kurds riot after funerals") [#47914],  [ID 15523]

Document(s): Open document

28.03.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Riots by Kurdish protestors in Dyarbakir after funerals of Kurds killed by troops; 40 people injured ("Dozens Injured In Kurdish Riot In Turkey") [#47733],  [ID 15522]

Document(s): Open document

10.03.2006 - Source: Guardian

Escalation of attacks by guerrillas of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), seeking autonomy ("Three die in bomb blast linked to Kurdish rebels") [#46243],  [ID 15363]

Document(s): Open document

10.03.2006 - Source: Guardian

Eskalation von Anschlägen seitens Guerillas der für Autonomie kämpfenden Kurdischen Arbeiterpartei (PKK) ("Three die in bomb blast linked to Kurdish rebels") [#46243],  [ID 15513]

Document(s): Open document

09.03.2006 - Source: BBC News

3 people killed in bomb attack in Kurdish-dominated south-east ("'Three dead' in east Turkey blast") [#46176],  [ID 14181]

Document(s): Open document

24.02.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Mardin: 5 suspected Kurdish rebels, reportedly members of PKK, killed in shoot-out with security forces ("Turkish Troops Kill Five Kurdish Rebels") [#45067],  [ID 14182]

Document(s): Open document

09.12.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

4 Turkish soldiers died in clashes with Kurdish guerrillas in southeastern Turkey; 2 kurdish guerrillas died in clashes near Guclukonak ("Kurdish Rebels Kill Four Turkish Soldiers") [#40395],  [ID 14183]

Document(s): Open document

02.12.2005 - Source: Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung: Unruhen in Kurdengemeinde Semdinli ("Politischer Kurzbericht - Türkei") [#41095],  [ID 14184]

"Unruhen in Şemdinli
Die Stadt Şemdinli im Verwaltungsbezirk Yüksekova in der Provinz Hakkari liegt im Drei-ländereck zwischen der Türkei, Iran und dem Irak. Schon immer war diese Gemeinde ein besonderer Ort. Hoch in den Bergen gelegen und im Winter oft nicht zu erreichen, war sie Ausgangspunkt von Unruhen und leicht erreichbare Operationsbasis der PKK-Terroristen, die sich von dort nach Anschlägen problemlos über die Berge in den angrenzenden Irak oder Iran zurückziehen konnten.
Die letzten Jahre des Waffenstillstandes und der Aufhebung des Ausnahmezustandes führten zwar zu einer leichten wirtschaftlichen Belebung in der Region, da jedoch alle Re-gierungen der vergangen Jahre jedoch umfangreiche Entwicklungsprogramme vernach-lässigten – entweder fehlte das Geld oder bestehende Programme wurden weder von der Bevölkerung noch von der Wirtschaft angenommen - nahmen die sozialen Konflikte zu.
Seit Mitte des Jahres kam es zu vermehrten terroristischen Aktivitäten in der Provinz Hak-kari. In einem Bombenanschlag auf einen Buchladen in Şemdinli bei dem zwei Menschen getötet wurden sollen Vertreter einer staatlichen Antiterroreinheit verwickelt sein. Dieser Angriff war dann der Auslöser für Unruhen, die von der PKK angeheizt wurden. Der Gou-verneurssitz wurde angegriffen und Polizeiautos zerstört. Bei einer Demonstration in dem nahe gelegenen Yükseksova kamen dabei drei Menschen ums Leben. Anlässlich ihrer Beerdigung flogen Kampfflugzeuge über die Trauergäste hinweg. Die Ereignisse vom 9. November in Şemdinli lassen Erinnerungen an den Susurluk-Skandal wieder aufkommen. Im Jahre 1996 kam anlässlich eines Autounfalls die Verfilzung zwischen Vertretern des Staates, Mafia und der Politik an das Tageslicht. Damals wurde jedoch der Mantel des Schweigens über dieses Ereignis gehüllt.
Die Regierung hat die vollständige Aufklärung der Vorgänge angekündigt und ein parla-mentarischer Untersuchungsausschuss wurde eingesetzt. Eine Aufhellung liegt diesmal

auch im Interesse der Regierung. Nicht nur für sie ist es wichtig zu wissen, ob es sich bei dem Anschlag in Şemdinli um eine eigenmächtige Aktionen der Sicherheitskräfte handelte oder ob der „Tiefe Staat“ dabei seine Hände im Spiel hatte. Ministerpräsident Erdoğan be-suchte den Ort des Geschehens und mittlerweile scheinen sich dort die Wogen geglättet zu haben.
In seiner Rede in Şemdinli versicherte der Ministerpräsident, dass er den Vorfall rückhalt-los aufklären werde. Ferner erklärte er, dass es in der Türkei eine „übergeordnete Identi-tät“ aller Staatsbürger gebe, das Land also ein Mosaik vieler ethnischen „Unteridentitäten“ sei. Diese Erkenntnis des Ministerpräsidenten führte zu vehementen Protesten vieler Op-positioneller, die dadurch die Einheit des Landes wieder einmal in Gefahr sahen.
Für einige politische Beobachter sind viele der aktuellen Ereignisse die ersten Anzeichen eines Vorwahlkampfes. Immer häufiger wird nun darüber spekuliert, ob die Parlaments-wahlen auf die zweite Jahreshälfte 2006 vorgezogen werden. Das neue Parlament würde dann im Jahre 2007 den türkischen Staatspräsidenten wählen. Eine für die Zukunft des Landes wohl richtungweisende Entscheidung."

Document(s): Open document

16.11.2005 - Source: BBC News

Hakkari: 4 people killed and several injured in clashes between riot police and Kurdish protesters; protests were sparked by bomb at bookstore in Semdinli ("Several killed in Turkish clashes") [#39356],  [ID 14185]

Document(s): Open document

11.11.2005 - Source: BBC News

Hakkari: 5 civilians injured by police during clashes sparked by explosion in local bookstore, which killed 1 person ("Turkish Kurds riot after bombing") [#39116],  [ID 14186]

Document(s): Open document

24.10.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Iraqi President Talabani suggests that Turkey give general amnesty for PKK rebels instead of trying to to end conflict with Kurdish rebels in southwest with force ("Iraq President Suggests Amnesty For Turkey's Kurdish Rebels") [#38316],  [ID 14187]

Document(s): Open document

29.08.2005 - Source: BBC News

South-eastern Turkey: 1 man killed and 5 officers injured during clashes between Kurdish protesters and police ("Kurds clash with Turkish police") [#36003],  [ID 14188]

Document(s): Open document

05.08.2005 - Source: BBC News

Hakkari: 5 Turkish soldiers killed and at least 6 injured in attack by suspected Kurdish rebels near Semdinli; attack came after Kurdish rebels freed Turkish soldier they held for more than 3 weeks ("Turkish soldiers killed in attack") [#34876],  [ID 14189]

Document(s): Open document

31.07.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

AI: Report on the reform process; freedom of speech and freedom of press constricted by new turkish penal law; torture still common; health care; violence against women ("Länderkurzinfo der Koordinationsgruppe Türkei der deutschen Sektion") [#34626],  [ID 14190]

"Situation in den kurdischen Gebieten

Während sich die Situation in den kurdischen Gebieten nach der praktischen Einstellung der bewaffneten Auseinandersetzungen zwischen PKK und türkischen Sicherheitskräften seit ca. 2000 deutlich entspannt hatte, hat der Konflikt seit der Aufkündigung der von der PKK einseitig erklärten Waffenruhe im Frühsommer 2004 erneut an Schärfe gewonnen. Im Zuge dieser Eskalation ist auch ein erneuter Anstieg von Übergriffen staatlicher Kräfte (vor allem der Gendarmerie) auf kurdische Dorfbewohner zu verzeichnen.

Die im Rahmen der Reformen zugestandenen kulturellen Rechte für die Kurden beschränken sich auf ein minimales Niveau: Radio- und Fernsehsendungen in kurdischer Sprache für ca. 1 Stunde pro Woche (die Gesamtsendezeit in Minderheitensprachen von 5 bzw. 4 Stunden pro Woche ist auf mehrere Minderheitensprachen aufgeteilt) und die Zulassung privater Sprachkurse. Verboten ist der Gebrauch der kurdischen Sprache nach wie vor für Parteien und im Rahmen von Wahlkämpfen. Auch in jüngster Zeit wurden Mitglieder von Parteivorständen zu Haftstrafen verurteilt, weil sie kurdische Redebeiträge auf Parteiversammlungen zugelassen hatten; ebenso Kandidaten pro-kurdischer Parteien, die bei Wahlkundgebungen die Besucher auf Kurdisch begrüßt hatten. Anfang Juli 2005 hat das Amtsgericht in Halfeti (Urfa) die stellvertretende Vorsitzende der DEHAP, Handan Cağlayan, und den Vorsitzenden für die Provinz Urfa, Ahmet Dağtekin, wegen einer kurdischen Ansprache auf einer Wahlveranstaltung am 28. März 2004 verurteilt. Weil sie auf der Veranstaltung Kurdisch gesprochen haben und damit gegen das Gesetz für politische Parteien verstießen erhielt Ahmet Dağtekin eine Haftstrafe von 6 Monaten und eine Geldstrafe von 440 YTL (Neue Türkische Lira) und wurde Handan Cağlayan zu einer Haftstrafe von 7 Monaten und einer Geldstrafe von 513 YTL verurteilt.

Derzeit läuft außerdem ein Verbotsverfahren gegen die Gewerkschaft für Mitarbeiter des Erziehungsbereichs, Eğitim Sen, weil in ihren Statuten das Recht auf muttersprachlichen Unterricht für alle Kinder im staatlichen Bildungssystem gefordert wird."

Document(s): Open document

27.07.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

7 alleged PKK rebels killed by security officials close to Iraqi and Iranian borders ("Seven Alleged Kurdish Rebels Killed In Turkey") [#34746],  [ID 14191]

Document(s): Open document

19.05.2005 - Source: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

Return of displaced persons ("Human Rights in the OSCE Region: Europe, Central Asia and North America, Report 2005 (Events of 2004)") [#32120],  [ID 14155]

"According to the Turkish government's various figures, at least 350,000 to 400,000 persons were displaced in the context of the activity of PKK and other armed opposition groups in the eastern and southeastern regions of Turkey. Human rights groups estimated that the number of IDPs, including those who felt compelled to leave their homes to protect their safety and the children born to IDP families, to be over three million. The issue remained largely under the authority of the military-dominated National Security Council, and the government, especially security forces, considered the IDPs as a security threat. The security situation remained the major obstacle to the return of IDPs and their reintegration in a framework that would be coherent with Turkey's human rights obligations under UN, Council of Europe and OSCE arrangements.

While the government argued that nearly one third of approximately 350,000 IDPs had returned with support from government assistance schemes, local HRA activists reported that government figures were inflated. Security forces banned return to several villages, even when civilian authorities granted permission, and a large number of others were not able to return due to threats by village guards, who occupied the evacuated properties. In one case, the government evacuated village guards from an Assyrian village in Sirnak in September 2004, after some of its original residents returned from European countries. The government maintained around 60,000 village guards in the region. IDPs reported that government assistance was either inadequate or not forthcoming.

In 2004, the ECtHR found in six cases that the Turkish security forces were responsible for evicting and destroying the applicant's properties. The court also concluded that, in the context of conflict in southeastern Turkey, the domestic remedies were not adequate or effective. While the government paid compensations to victims, they remained displaced. Legislation enacted in 2004 for compensation of harm done to property in the context of the Kurdish conflict fell short of the standards set by the court."

Document(s): Open document

15.04.2005 - Source: BBC News

Turkey kills 21 Kurdish fighters ("Turkey kills 21 Kurdish fighters") [#31271],  [ID 14193]

"Turkish security forces have killed 21 members of the Kurdish paramilitary group, the PKK, in south-eastern Turkey, officials in the area say. Three members of the Turkish armed forces also died in the three-day operation in Siirt province, they said. It is reported to be the biggest clash in the area since the PKK declared a unilateral truce in 1999. ...

Reports say the fighting broke out about 40km (25 miles) from the Iraq border near the town of Pervari, when a group of PKK rebels responded with gunfire after being ordered to surrender by Turkish security forces. Turkish officials said guns, hand grenades, mines, rounds of ammunition and explosives were seized in rebel hideouts in the area."

Document(s): Open document

09.03.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Written statement submitted by the Society for Threatened Peoples on the situation of internally displaced Kurds in Turkey ("Specific groups of and individuals: mass exoduses and displaced persons E/CN.4/2005/NGO/234") [#30379],  [ID 14194]

Document(s): Open document

07.03.2005 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Report detailing how the Turkish government has failed to implement measures for IDPs the United Nations recommended nearly three years ago ("“Still critical”: Prospects in 2005 for Internally Displaced Kurds in Turkey") [#29758],  [ID 14195]

Document(s): Open document

15.02.2005 - Source: Council of Europe - European Commission against Racism and Intolerance

Kurds displaced within the country find themselves in a very difficult situation; no emergency rule in any part of Turkey since November 2002; process of returning internally displaced persons has not yet begun in earnest ("Third report on Turkey: Adopted on 25 June 2004 and made public on 15 February 2005 [CRI(2005) 5]") [#30573],  [ID 14159]

"72. According to estimates, there are between twelve and fifteen million Kurds living in Turkey. There are no official statistics as national censuses do not take account of people’s ethnic origins. The Kurds live mainly in the South-East, although many of them have left the region as part of the drift to the towns and also because of the armed conflict that went on for several years between the authorities and the PKK.

73. ECRI is concerned to note that the Kurds displaced within the country by the armed conflict now find themselves in a very difficult situation. According to NGO estimates, there are a million or more such people, whereas the authorities put the figure at a few hundred thousand. They live mainly on the outskirts of cities, in particular Istanbul, in conditions of severe economic and social hardship. Even though they have been displaced, they have not received any welfare assistance to enable them to provide for their needs. Since most of them were originally farmers, they have been unable to find satisfactory employment on arriving in the towns and cities. The great majority now live in poverty and social exclusion, which in turn creates problems with health care and also access to education, as parents cannot afford to send their children to school.

74. ECRI is pleased to note that there has been no emergency rule in any part of Turkey since November 2002. Fighting has ceased in the South-East of the country so insecurity should no longer be a barrier to the return of persons displaced by the armed conflict. ECRI deplores, however, that the process of returning internally displaced persons has not yet begun in earnest and that only a very small number of people have returned to their villages or have been able to recover their property. The barriers to return are still too numerous. ECRI notes in particular that, in some cases, the administration is still refusing to allow returns for security reasons. In other cases, the administration has insisted that persons wishing to return sign papers waiving their right to compensation on the ground that the PKK was to blame for their departure and not the authorities. Another major barrier is the behaviour of the armed militia guards who were posted in the villages by the authorities. Some of these guards have now taken up residence in abandoned properties and are refusing to hand them over to the owners. ECRI is particularly concerned by reports that, in some cases, villagers seeking to recover their property have been killed by armed guards.

75. The government has introduced “village return projects” but according to various commentators, these schemes are underfunded. The lack of clear information about the procedure for applying to return has also been a factor in the schemes’ low success rate. Others point to the government’s lack of political commitment to the return of displaced persons. ECRI notes with approval that the law on the compensation of victims of terrorism and action against terrorism was adopted by the Grand National Assembly in July 2004. ECRI hopes that this law will enable all victims of the armed conflict in South-East Turkey to be compensated swiftly and fairly."

Document(s): Open document

17.08.2004 - Source: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

Query response on reports of human rights violations committed by the Turkish military against civilians living in the Bingol province, particularly in the Kigi district (November 1996 - April 1998) ("Reports of human rights violations committed by the Turkish military against civilians living in the Bingol province, particularly in the Kigi district (November 1996 - April 1998) [TUR42841.E]") [ID 24264]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

20.10.2003 - Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (formerly Global IDP Project)

Report focussed on internal displacement as a major concern in the OSCE area/ 3 million people who were forced to leave their homes as a result of armed conflict or human rights violations still wait for durable solutions to their plight ("Protecting internally displaced persons in the OSCE area: A neglected commitment") [#17054],  [ID 14196]

"Between 1984 and 1999, large numbers of people, mainly of Kurdish origin, were forcibly displaced from Turkey's southeastern region during the armed conflict between government forces and the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The total number of displaced remains a controversial issue. While the Turkish government claims that 378,000 persons "migrated" from some 3,000 villages, NGOs put the overall number of IDPs at up to 2-3 million. The US State Department considers a figure of one million a credible estimate.

The Kurds, who constitute the largest ethnic minority in Turkey (26 percent of the total population), have been denied minority rights since the origin of the Turkish Republic, and manifestations of Kurdish identity have often been brutally repressed. In 1984, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) launched a guerilla war to which the Turkish State responded with a violent counter-insurgency campaign. Under a State of Emergency Decree, the armed forces were granted exceptional powers, which meant heavy military presence, martial law and severe restrictions to civil and political rights.

Since the arrest of the PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in June 1999 and his subsequent appeal for a unilateral cessation of armed activities by the Kurdish armed groups, the level of violence in southeastern Turkey has significantly decreased. Following the improvement in the security situation and the end of the fighting, the systematic internal displacement of the Kurdish population has stopped. Nevertheless, only few IDPs have been able to return to their villages so far.

The most common form of displacement was the forced eviction of entire villages by Turkish security forces. The Government justified this practice as a means of protecting civilians and depriving the PKK of logistical support. Another factor leading to displacement has been the "village guard" system. Village guards, comprised of villagers pressured to join, and their families have been the target of deliberate and arbitrary killing by the PKK. The refusal of villagers to join the guard has often been followed by the evacuation of their villages by Turkish security forces, carried out in the most brutal ways, with reports of property destruction, rape, torture and extra-judicial executions. The European Court of Human Rights has found Turkey responsible for violations of the European Human Rights Conventions in numerous cases of arbitrary evictions, property destruction, disappearances and torture.

Socio-economical destitution

Following the forced evacuation of villages, the Turkish Government failed to provide emergency assistance to the people displaced. The majority of the displaced civilians were forced to the nearest provincial capitals, which as a result saw their populations increase significantly. While some IDPs found accommodation with extended family members, most gathered in slums on the outskirts of these cities. The majority of the displaced have continued to live in diffiicult circumstances of overcrowding and poverty in towns and cities throughout the country. Malnutrition, insufficient and dirty drinking water, improper disposal of sewage and garbage are common problems.

The situation of the displaced is further aggravated by the disastrous economic conditions prevailing in the southeastern provinces. The armed conflict and two decades of emergency rule have disrupted a region which even before had been one of the least developed parts of Turkey. Destruction of infrastructure, economic resources, live-stock, crops, houses, and farming machinery has made large areas uninhabitable. Cultivable land and irrigation channels have fallen into disuse, with numerous landmines adding to the problem.

The displaced Kurdish population faces an increased risk of diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria. Many IDPs suffer from traumata connected to their forced displacement. The local NGO Göc-Der reports that the inability of social adaptation is another concern, which has been caused by unemployment, shelter problems, children's educational problems, health problems, environmental pollution, cultural differences and feelings of exclusion.

Return and resettlement plans

With the security situation steadily improving, it should now be possible for those who want to return to their villages to do so. Voluntary and assisted resettlements have been ongoing, but only a fraction of the evacuees have returned. The Government estimates that 58,000 persons returned from June 2000 to October 2002 as part of the 'Back to Villages and Rehabilitation Pro- ject'. Another programme is the central villages project, which envisages resettling evacuated villagers into newly built villages.

However, a number of serious impediments to return remain. According to Human Rights Watch, inadequate government assistance and continued violence and harassment by security forces and village guards discourage returns or even cause returnees to flee again. The Government's return plans have failed to meet international standards and have therefore not attracted international funding. With regard to the `Back to the Villages' programme, only a few villagers have in fact been given permission to return to their homes. Moreover, "authorised" returnees have often not been allowed to enter their villages by the local military, or have been forced to sign forms stating that they were displaced due to terrorism. HRW has criticised the programme as being largely fictional with most abandoned settlements remaining no-go areas.

Highly dependent on agricultural resources, a significant proportion of Kurdish households have reportedly been unable to access any land to cultivate, as authorities have failed to address the issue of landmines and the illegal occupation of their land by village guards. Households applying for return assistance have been pressured by authorities to give up claims on compensation for loss of properties.

Even if the government's most optimistic figures are correct, only 10 to 20 per cent of the displaced population has returned. NGOs in close contact with the IDPs such as Göc-Der and the Turkish Human Rights Association believe that the government's figures are exaggerated and that in fact relatively few villagers have been able to return permanently.

Improved access

The Turkish Government has long hampered any attempt by the international community to monitor the situation of the Kurdish minority in Turkey. Most international humanitarian organisations, including the ICRC, have been refused access to the southeastern provinces. Some can only operate under close police surveillance. Local organisations have faced relentless harassment by the authorities. However, recent developments give cause for careful optimism. A few international organisations have finally been invited to visit Turkey, including the UN Representative on Internally Displaced Persons. In addition, a number of democratic reforms introduced by the Turkish Parliament since August 2002 have included the easing of restrictions on both foreign and local non-governmental organisations working in Turkey. Amnesty International and HRW are now able to visit the southeastern region, though under close surveillance. International humanitarian NGOs, however, remain largely absent from the area.

Dr. Francis Deng, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Internally Displaced Persons, acknowledged after his visit to the country in May 2002 the more open approach by the government to return, and emphasised that the international community should take advantage of the changing attitude in Turkey in light of the country's efforts to become member of the European Union, particularly with respect to the nature of return."

Document(s): Open document

30.09.2003 - Source: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

Report focused on latest human rights developments in the member states of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) ("Interventions and Recommendations by the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHF) on the Occasion of the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting Warsaw, 6-17 October 2003") [#16408],  [ID 14197]

"In addition to the above, there has been poor progress in the return of the estimated 380,000 to one million people who had been internally displaced from the south-eastern regions. According to Human Rights Watch, the Turkish government, security forces and paramilitaries were obstructing the return although active hostilities ceased in 1999. As a result, it appears that no more than 10% had ventured home by late 2002. In some cases local authorities forbid people to return, in others return is officially permitted but returning villagers are greeted with harassment, detention and attacks by the gendarmerie and village guards. Some have to flee a second time."

Document(s): Open document

21.06.2003 - Source: Schweizerische Flüchtlingshilfe

Situation in den kurdischen Provinzen: allgemeine Willkür und Repression hat sich verringert; Verlagerung der Menschenrechtsverletzungen in andere Bereiche zu bemerken ("Zur aktuellen Situation - Juni 2003 ") [#14557],  [ID 14198]

"Die Aufhebung des Ausnahmezustandes hat zwar zu einer teilweisen Verbesserung der Menschenrechtssituation in den kurdischen Provinzen geführt. Die allgemeine Willkür und Repression hat sich verringert. Doch ist eine Verlagerung der Menschenrechtsverletzungen in andere Bereiche zu bemerken.
Es ist bis anhin kaum zur Aufhebung der zahlreichen Institutionen gekommen, die für den Kampf gegen die PKK aufgebaut worden sind. Wie wir bereits erwähnt haben, gibt es je nach Quelle nach wie vor zwischen 30-77'000 Dorfmilizionäre. Die JITEM und die Spezial-einheiten sind ebenfalls weiterhin präsent, jedoch weit weniger zahlreich und wesentlich diskreter als zuvor. Nach einem in der Tageszeitung Milliyet vom 1. Februar 2001 erschie-nenen Artikel versucht der Staat, einen grossen Teil der Angehörigen dieser Spezialeinhei-ten ins Zivilleben zu integrieren. Es wird berichtet, dass Posten in der zivilen Verwaltung an ehemalige Mitglieder dieser Spezialeinheiten zugeteilt werden, ohne das normale vorgängi-ge Examen. Allerdings muss damit gerechnet werden, dass nach bewaffneten Auseinander-setzungen mit verbliebenen PKK-Einheiten sofort zu einer Verstärkung der Präsenz kommt. Dasselbe gilt für das grosse Heer von Zivilpolizisten. Einzig die für den Kampf gegen die PKK aufgebaute Hizbullah ist aufgelöst worden. Es finden weniger militärische Operationen gegen Dörfer statt als zuvor und die Anzahl der Kontrollpunkte der Gendarmerie hat sich ebenfalls verringert. Im Januar 2003 zählte die Autorin zehn Kontrollpunkte zwischen Van und Diyarbakir. Nur an einem dieser Kontrollpunkte (nach der Stadt Tatvan in Richtung Diy-arbakir) wurde jedoch eine vollständige Identitätskontrolle durchgeführt. Die Identitätskarten der Reisenden wurden eingesammelt und jeder einzelne Name per Computer überprüft. Die an der Kontrolle beteiligten Gendarmen haben sich allen Reisenden gegenüber korrekt ver-halten und ihr Formalismus war nicht mehr so übertrieben wie früher. Es gab Reisende, die keine Identitätskarte bei sich hatten, sondern sich lediglich mit dem Familienbüchlein aus-wiesen. Dies führte im Gegensatz zu früher zu keinen Problemen. Auch das Lesen pro-kurdischer Zeitungen benachteiligte die Reisenden nicht. An den übrigen Kontrollposten beschränkte sich die Kontrolle auf einen kurzen Blick in den Bus oder ein sofortiges Auffor-dern zur Weiterfahrt. Zwischen Diyarbakir und Adana wurde in der selben Zeit gar keine Kontrolle mehr gemacht. Menschenrechtsanwälte aus der Region vertreten die Meinung, dass die Kontrollen zwischen Van und Diyarbakir heute mehr mit dem Kampf gegen Men-schenhandel und die Drogenmafia, als mit sicherheitspolitischen Erwägungen zu tun haben.
Die allgemeine Repression hat eine Reduktion erfahren, und es ist einfacher geworden, sich in den kurdischen Provinzen fortzubewegen. Die Einschränkungen der Bewegungsfreiheit durch die Armee sind heute eher Ausnahme. Es gibt jedoch gewisse Regionen, in welchen es in den letzten Monaten zu bewaffneten Auseinandersetzungen zwischen den Sicher-heitskräften und bewaffneten Gruppen der KADEK gekommen ist, was die dortige Situation stark beeinflusst.
Seit dem Spätherbst 2002 ist die Situation in der Umgebung von Lice (Diyarbakir) recht an-gespannt, da in dieser Region mehrere bewaffnete Auseinandersetzungen stattgefunden haben. Kürzlich ist es auch in den Provinzen Tunceli und Bingöl zu Auseinandersetzungen zwischen den Sicherheitskräften und bewaffneten Gruppierungen gekommen. Auch aus der Gegend von Sirnak werden immer wieder Zwischenfälle gemeldet. Die Tatsache, dass sich bewaffnete Gruppen in der Region aufhalten, führt natürlich zu einer verstärkten Präsenz der Sicherheitskräfte und zu Repressalien gegen die umliegenden Dörfer, die verdächtigt werden, die sich in der Umgebung befindlichen KämpferInnen zu ernähren. Die KADEK nennt ihre Gruppen Friedenstruppen, und sie verfolgt nach wie vor keine Angriffsstrategie, sondern verteidigt sich lediglich im Falle eines Angriffs.
In den kurdischen Provinzen waren die Hauptprobleme der letzten Monate: Hindernisse bei der Rückkehr in die Dörfer, schwere Menschenrechtsverletzungen und Drohungen durch die Dorfmilizionäre, starke Einschränkungen der Meinungs- und Versammlungsfreiheit bei For-derungen wie nach der Freilassung von Abdullah Öcalan, Kurdischunterricht, Anerkennung der kurdischen Identität oder bei Veranstaltungen gegen den Krieg und für den Frieden. Es gibt zahlreiche Verfahren wegen Namensgebung, Gesuch für Kurdischunterricht, Teilnahme an unbewilligten Demonstrationen usw.
Nach Angaben des Menschenrechtsvereins von Diyarbakir ist es im Jahre 2002 in den kur-dischen Provinzen zu mehr Menschenrechtsverletzungen als im Jahre 2000 gekommen und der Verein beklagt sich darüber, dass die vom Parlament beschlossenen Gesetzesänderun-gen nicht in die Praxis umgesetzt würden. Einzig im September 2002 hätten die Rechtsver-letzungen im Vergleich zum Vorjahr um 300 % abgenommen, weil der Weltfriedenstag die-ses Mal friedlich und ohne polizeiliche Interventionen gefeiert werden konnte."

Document(s): Open document

01.05.2003 - Source: Turkish Human Rights Association

Villages forced evictions were reported, in 2001, in the Sirnak province ("Notes presented to the Committee against Torture (CAT) by OMCT and HRA") [#17974],  [ID 14200]

"While the policy of house demolitions and forced evictions stopped in 1999, villages forced evictions were reported, in 2001, in the Sirnak province, South Eastern part of Turkey. The resurgence of new forced evictions following 1999, along with harassment and implementation of measures such as food embargoes, restriction on freedom of movement to go in and out of villages is of particular concern to HRA and OMCT.

A population of 600-700 villagers living in the villages of Asat (15 households) and Ortakli (30 households), located in the Sirnak province, have been evicted by the Turkish Security Forces on 20 July 2001. An investigation carried out by HRA in August 2001 highlighted that the forced eviction of the Asat and Ortaki villages could be related to a mine explosion that caused deaths and wounds of some soldiers during a military operation in July 2001. Interviews with villagers of Asat and Ortakli underlined that they had no relation with the mine explosion and that the whole are has been mined for some time, with mines being located at 25 or 40 kilometres from their villages.

The mission conducted by HRA in August 2001 reported that the 600-700 evicted villagers, whose majority are women, children and elderly people, were living nearby the Beytüssebap municipality borders in about 80 tents in destitute conditions characterised by poverty, deprivation, uncertainty and fear. HRA reported that the victims did not receive any heath care service and that they were subjected to serious health problems. Testimonies from the victims recorded that about 600 animals, beehives, orchards and garden were destroyed due to a lack of maintenance following their forced eviction, cutting the villagers' production veins.

During discussions of HRA delegation with victims, security forces in civil dresses tried to record talks and identify speakers. This situation led victims to avoid talking openly. In this respect, the Muhtar of the village said to the HRA delegation that they left their village on their own will. Women therein denied what Muhtar said and stated that Muhtar was under threat and forced to talk to the HRA delegation in that way. Immediately after Muhtar's statement, a young person, Rasim Aþan (18 years old) intervened and asked Muhtar to tell the truth. He went on giving his statements to the HRA delegation. After having given his statements Rasim Aþanstated that he was being threatened and he expressed his wish to leave Beytüþþebap together with the HRA delegation to secure his life. By taking a common decision, the HRA delegation took Rasim Aþan in the eyes of security officers who accompanied them on the way back to Þýrnak. The HRA delegation's car was stopped at the gendarmerie control point at the entrance of Þýrnak and all videotapes, camera films and notes were confiscated by gendarmerie.

Rasim Aþan who had given his witness to the HRA delegation was taken under custody for the alleged reason that he may have a fake ID Card. Rasim Aþan was brought to the office of the Þýrnak Public Prosecutor at 14:00 on 9 August 2001. He stated that he was tortured and forced to give and sign a statement against members of the HRA delegation. Although he declared that he was tortured and although there was a doctor report identifying the torture scars on his body, he was arrested by the Court under Article 159 of Turkish Penal Code and sent to the Þýrnak Prison. All members of the HRA elegation witnessed of this legal scandal.

As a result of this, Osman Baydemir (a member of HRA delegation) and Rasim Aþan are currently facing trial before the Diyarbakir 3rd State Securýty Court. This trial will be held on May 6th in Diyarbakir."

Document(s): Open document

01.05.2003 - Source: International Federation for Human Rights

Reported cases of torture and ill-treatment in the Kurdish regions (East and Southeast): ("International Investigative Mission: Turkey: Torture, still a routine practice.") [#12386],  [ID 14201]

"Although armed conflict between government forces and the opposition Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK-KADEK) had virtually ended by 2000, and the State of Emergency (OHAL) in the Kurdish regions was lifted on November 30, 2002, repression of human rights activists, pro-Kurdish political parties and organizations has continued. Local party offices, the Human Rights Association (IHD) and the Turkish Human Rights Foundation's branch offices have been regularly raided, and their officials and supporters have been illegally detained, tortured and have "disappeared". It has been reported that in February 2003, the Turkish government was precisely considering reinstating the State of Emergency Rule in the southeast, namely in the cities of Diyarbakir, Batman, Sirnak, Siirt, Van and Hakkari to "maintain order" in case of a war in Iraq. For the time being, such measures haven't been put into practice; however, there is a concern related to the presence of Turkish military forces at the Iraqi border and its impact on the human rights situation in the southeast region.
In this context, the FIDH is gravely concerned about reported cases of people being detained and tortured by police in Diyarbakir under Article 3/c of Legal Decree N° 430. Under this decree, prisoners who have to be questioned as part of the investigation of offences giving rise to the declaration of a state of emergency may be returned to the custody of law enforcement agencies for an additional ten days of questioning. The article can be applied again after the end of the ten day-period, which allows police officers to hold individuals in custody for long periods of time."

Document(s): Open document

01.05.2003 - Source: International Federation for Human Rights

Case studies of torture and ill-treatment in Kurdish provinces ("International Investigative Mission: Turkey: Torture, still a routine practice.") [#12386],  [ID 14202]

"1) On 26 July 2002, Remzi Karadumam (36), Ugur Usar (26), and Resat Usar (26)30 were taken into police custody at the Anti-Terror branch of Ankara police headquarters. Two days later, they were handed over to the Anti-Terror Branch of police headquarters in Diyarbakir. On 30 July, a court ordered that they be remanded to Diyarbakir prison. A lawyer met them in prison on 31 July, and reported that they had been subjected to torture and ill treatment including beating and electric shocks while taken into police custody in Ankara. This reportedly worsened after they were transferred to police detention in Diyarbakir. There, they were also apparently sprayed repeatedly with pressurized cold water, had their testicles squeezed, were blindfolded continuously, forced to stay standing by having their wrist handcuffed to an elevated point, not given anything to eat and drink, and two police officers reportedly forced the detainees' head between their legs by sitting on their shoulders. The lawyer observed that the three men were in a very bad physical and psychological state and that there was severe bruising and marks of biting on the arms and legs of R.K. On the basis of the testimonies, the lawyer lodged a complaint about the alleged torture and ill treatment with the Diyarbakir Prosecutor. As a result of the complaint, the three men were taken from prison to be examined by doctors at the local Institute of Forensic Medicine who determined that they should rather be examined at the Medical Faculty of Dicle University, where there was a greater expertise in documenting such injuries. However, on the same day, the Diyarbakir State Security Court (DGM) ordered that R.K, U.U., and R.U. be brought instead to the Anti-Terror Branch of Diyarbakir police headquarters for further interrogation. This was carried out under article 3c) of the Legal Decree N°430 (which allows individuals to be returned from prison to police detention for an additional 10 days of questioning). Consequently, the three men were taken back into police custody where they were at risk of further torture and ill treatment and not taken to the Medical Faculty of Dicle University.

2) On November 6, 2001, while travelling from Diyarbakir to Van by bus, a woman B.K.31 was arrested by the gendarmes and taken into custody at the Balaban gendarme station. She was reportedly blindfolded and transferred to another place. There, jandarmas took her fingers print. Later one, she learnt that she was in Gevas jandarma station. She was held in a small cell completely isolated without any access to a lawyer or even to other arrested persons. B.K. was allegedly forced to stay in a corridor and then brought to another cell where jandarmas started to interrogate her while she remained blindfolded. She was beaten, subjected to falaka, threatened with death and rape, insulted, forced to remain naked, exposed to pressurized cold water and sexually abused. She was further forced to drink a juice with a pill inside and lost control. When she woke up, she felt a strong pain in her genital organs and asked to go to the toilets because of the bleedings. B.K. was reported to have been raped for Turkey: Torture, still a routine practice five days in the jandarma station and forced to sign documents. She was then presented to a doctor three times during the custody period for a medical examination, but was unable to report the torture due to the presence of a jandarma in the examination room.

3) Seval Bayindir, deputy SG of the People's Democracy party (HADEP), alleged that her brother Ônder Bayindir32 was subjected to torture at the Eskisehir Police Headquarter. She visited him in prison and he told her that he had been sprayed with high-pressurized cold water, beaten to the head and had his testicles squeezed during the two days custody. Önder Bayindir was detained on November 25, 2002 on the allegation of "supporting an illegal organization". Last year, he was discharged from Eskisehir Anatolian University for four semesters for having signed petitions demanding education in Kurdish.

4) Siracettin Karatas33, working for the Kurdish newspaper "Azadia Welat" in Mersin, alleged that he was ill treated after his detention on November 16, 2002. Police officers stopped him in Demirtas quarter when he was distributing the newspaper and asserted that an arrest warrant had been issued against him. They beat and kicked him and took him to the Yumuktepe Police Station. He was handcuffed and thrown into a cell and then interrogated by Anti-terror department's officers. He was threatened with death and told to go back immediately to Bitlis. He was allegedly beaten again and twice taken to the hospital, but despite pains in his hands, his face and in his back, the doctor did not note any complaint. The next day at 3 pm, Demirtas was taken to the prosecutor's office and released without even seeing the prosecutor.

5) A 24 year-old man Okan Yurdabak34 was detained at the gendarmerie station in Satay district (Van) on November 5, 2002 after a quarrel between inhabitants of Beyaslan village concerning the ownership of land. Two people had accused him of shooting in the air and the soldiers had asked him for his weapon. When he insisted that he did not have any weapon, he was thrown into a cell, stripped naked and a lieutenant, a sergeant together with a soldier beat him. Later on, they poured salt over his mouth and eyes and he was subjected to the falaka. At the end, the sergeant and the soldier took him to the bathroom and raped him with a truncheon. On November 6, a doctor examined him but he was not informed about the medical conclusions. The prosecutor ordered his release apparently criticizing the soldiers for having ill-treated him. On November 7, Okan Yurdabak filed an official complaint. The prosecutor sent him to Van State Hospital, where he was given a medical report certifying inability to work for 15 days."

Document(s): Open document

30.11.2002 - Source: BBC News

30/11/2002 - BBC: End of state of emergency in Diyarbakir and Sirnak ("Turkey lifts last state of emergency") [#10631],  [ID 14203]

"Doctors, lawyers and human rights activists have met in the Turkish city of Diyarbakir to mark the lifting of the state of emergency in the last two Turkish provinces where it was in force.

Diyarbakir and Sirnak, both in the south-east of Turkey, have been governed under a state of emergency for 15 years.

Representatives of the groups welcomed the lifting of emergency rule, but warned that divisions remained between different parts of the country.


The lifting of emergency rule that once covered 13 Turkish provinces and the militarisation that went with it is a sign of the victory of the Turkish Government over the Kurdish and left-wing paramilitaries that once threatened the state.
[...]
Few believe that the state will relax its grip on an area which until recently was a battleground between the security forces and Kurdish paramilitaries.

Ali Oncu spoke for the democratic platform which called the meeting.

He said that even without a state of emergency the provinces would still be denied real freedom.
[...]
During the meeting, a plainclothes policeman stood with a hand-held camera, taping not only the speakers, but members of the audience.

Afterwards, organisers met police after the authorities raised objections to a planned outdoor meeting later in the day.

Emergency rule may have been lifted, but the mentality which underpins it and the atmosphere of fear which it creates shows no sign of disappearing."

Document(s): Open document

09.10.2002 - Source: European Commission

European Commission: In all provinces of the Southeast state of emergency lifted by the end of the year ("2002 Regular Report on Turkey's Process Towards Accession") [#10217],  [ID 14204]

"The National Security Council recommended on 30 May 2002 that the state of emergency
in two provinces of the Southeast be lifted.. The Turkish Parliament endorsed this
recommendation and this measure entered into force on 30 July 2002. The National
Security Council also recommended the lifting of the state of emergency in the two
remaining provinces by the end of the year."

Document(s): Open document

31.05.2002 - Source: BBC News

BBC: Turkey to ease restrictions on Kurds ("Turkey to ease restrictions on Kurds") [#7453],  [ID 14206]

"Turkey's National Security Council has agreed to lift the state of emergency which has been in force for the past 15 years in two predominantly Kurdish provinces.

The council - which groups Turkey's top generals and government leaders - said emergency rule in two other eastern provinces would be lifted in four months time. [...]

The state of emergency allows provincial governors to impose curfews, ban rallies and call in soldiers to suppress illegal demonstrations.

It is due to end on 1 July in the provinces of Hakkari and Tunceli, according to the council, and will be extended "one last time" in Diyarbakir and Sirnak.

Emergency rule was first imposed in 13 provinces in 1987, but was gradually lifted as fighting between Kurdish separatists and government troops died down.

Kurdish rebels fighting for self-rule in the south-east of the country declared a ceasefire in 1999, but the military rejected it and said it would continue fighting."

Document(s): Open document