We Wish the New Year Would Bring Peace

In 2008 we witnessed heavy violations of right to life.

There should not be any murder by unknown assailants, extra-judicial killings, stop warning and random firing; authorities should put an end to suspicious deaths in detention places and in prisons. "Zero tolerance" to torture and ill-treatment, which is a crime against humanity, and the frequency and harshness of which increased last year, should be a reality in the new year.

Charged security officers should be investigated and tried, and impunity should cease to exist.

Excessive use of force by security forces in mass demonstrations, May Day and Newroz Celebrations should come to an end.

The image of security state should be abolished; a real democratic state, based on human rights and the rule of law should be dominant.

A solution to the Kurdish Problem should be found. There should not be any more clashes and deaths. The environment of clash and hostility between people should be changed. Fraternity and the eagerness to live together should be rooted in minds. Kurdish broadcast policy of TRT TV should be enlarged to all fields of life. A comprehensive peace programme should be implemented and military operations should come to an end.

Precautions should be created for the coming world economic crisis. Hunger and unemployment should be exhausted and there should be a fair distribution of income.

Forests should be taken under protection in the face of rapid urbanisation. The pillage of public lands and forests should be prevented.

The war that has been incited and would like to be generalised in Middle East should not be waged. The aggressiveness of Israel should be opposed, and Israel should be called to account for the murders against Palestinians.

The New Year should be a stage for all the improvements for the realisation of our wishes. The people who believe in human rights, democracy and peace should take the initiative to create the hope for the possibility of another Turkey and world.

The number of human right defenders, democrats and pro-peace should be increase and their solidarity should be powerful.

For the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey

Yavuz Önen