UN Experts Applaud PKK Ceasefire with Türkiye

UN experts have welcomed the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) unilateral ceasefire declared on March 1, marking a significant step toward peace after over four decades of armed conflict with Türkiye, Jurist News reported. In a statement, members of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances commended the PKK’s gesture as a potential catalyst for renewed dialogue.

The experts urged the Turkish government to reciprocate by halting military operations and addressing the conflict’s root causes. They emphasized the importance of facilitating independent investigations into alleged human rights violations by both state and non-state actors.

The PKK conflict, which began in 1984, has resulted in more than 40,000 deaths, including many civilians. Previous peace efforts, such as a notable ceasefire in 2013, ultimately collapsed in 2015 amid renewed violence. The experts reminded Türkiye of its obligations under international law and encouraged engagement with civil society and Kurdish representatives for a sustainable peace process. As of Friday, Türkiye had not responded to the statement.