Millions of people are estimated to have been affected by forced migration or displacement in Turkey in the east and southeast, during the period of armed conflict between the security forces and the PKK1, especially in the 1990s. This persists as a complex problem with political, economic, social, psychological and educational dimensions. Despite the gravity of the situation over many years, the problems of the displaced have never been given sufficient emphasis within Turkey’s national agenda. Only with the European Union candidacy process has the importance of the issue begun to be appreciated within Turkey. This document was prepared in order to explain the phenomenon of displacement in Turkey and associated problems, especially those concerning property, to remind the state of its obligations under international human rights law and EU standards, and to make concrete proposals for solutions.

This book provides an interpretive and critical analysis of Kurdish identity, nationalism and national movement in Turkey since the 1960s. By raising issues and questions relating to Kurdish political identity and highlighting the ideological specificity, diversity and the transformation of Kurdish nationalism, it develops a new empirical dimension to the study of the Kurds in Turkey. Cengiz Gunes applies an innovative theoretical approach to the analysis of an impressively large volume of primary sources and data drawn from books and magazines published by Kurdish activists, political parties and groups. The analysis focuses on the specific demands articulated by the Kurdish national movement and looks at Kurdish nationalism at a specific level by disaggregating the nationalist discourse, showing variations over time and across different Kurdish nationalist organisations. Situating contemporary Kurdish political identity and its political manifestations within a historical framework, the author examines the historical and structural conditions that gave rise to it and influenced its evolution since the 1960s. The analysis also encompasses an account of the organisational growth and evolution of the Kurdish national movement, including the political parties and groups that were active in the period. Bringing the study of the organisational development and growth of the Kurdish National Movement in Turkey up to date, this book will be an important reference for students and scholars of Middle Eastern politics, social movements, nationalism and conflict.

This volume examines the effects of Strasbourg Court jurisprudence for protecting the rights of marginalised individuals and minorities. It argues that its consequences vary depending upon the diverse social, legal and institutional context that shapes litigation and judicial approaches in each country.

Catalysts for Change examines the strengths and weaknesses of one of the United Nations' most important human rights mechanisms—the collection of independent experts known as special procedures—as they negotiate the rocky terrain where rights meet reality. These independent experts serve as the eyes and ears of the UN human rights system. Despite their prolific work as experts and advocates, however, there has been no empirical study of their impact at the national level—until now. This book provides concrete evidence of why the system works and ways it can be improved.