On July 24, 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne was signed, establishing the borders of Turkey. This treaty allowed Turkey to annex significant portions of Northern Kurdish territories without the involvement or consent of the Kurdish people. The Kurds were excluded from the negotiations and consequently denied their fundamental rights and freedoms by the Turkish state. For over a century, Turkey has failed to fulfill its obligations under this treaty, while the signatory powers—such as the France, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Greece and Romania—have not held Turkey accountable for its ongoing violations.
At Diakurd, we firmly believe that the Treaty of Lausanne, which has never been properly implemented, must be annulled. To address this long-standing injustice, Diakurd initiated legal proceedings against Turkey on the treaty’s centennial. Although the Turkish administrative court dismissed the case, we are now appealing to the United Nations Human Rights Court. This marks a crucial phase in our legal journey—one that offers a rare opportunity to bring international attention to the plight of the Kurdish people.
As we enter this decisive stage, we are calling upon all Kurdish NGOs across the diaspora, political parties, as well as individuals and supporters of Kurdish rights, to join us in this critical effort. Your active participation and financial contributions are essential to sustaining this fight for justice and human rights.
We believe that the annulment of the Treaty of Lausanne is a necessary step toward ensuring that the Kurdish people, who make up to a third of Turkey’s population, can determine their own future as a recognized nation. The international community, led by the United Nations, must take urgent and meaningful action to support Kurdish self-determination and halt the policies of assimilation and oppression.
This is a pivotal moment in our collective struggle. Together, we can advocate for a just and peaceful resolution that respects the Basic Human Rights and the Right of Self-Determination of the Kurdish people. Now is the time to amplify our voices and demand an end to the injustice that has persisted for far too long.
In solidarity and with unwavering determination, we urge all concerned parties to support this legal process and contribute generously to this cause.
Together, we can pave the way for a just and lasting future for the Kurdish people.
Sincerely,
Diakurd – Kurdish Diaspora Confederation
7th September 2024
