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Kurdish Human Rights Project: This is the legacy website of the Kurdish Human Rights Project, containing reports and news pertaining to human rights issues in the Kurdish Regions for 20 years.

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Charity Awards

Charity Awards

Gruber Prize

Gruber

Gruber Justice Prize

2004 Annual Report - Page 6
Article Index
2004 Annual Report
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PROJECT 3 - RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS

 

Based on objective and thorough research - an essential component to the monitoring of human rights - KHRP publications have a reputation for providing solid information to policy and decision makers nationally and internationally. Such information is especially crucial in the Kurdish regions where sound information is frequently hard to secure.

The need for independent and objective information about the Kurdish regions and the Kurds is all the greater due to the widespread censorship and intimidation of human rights defenders and the media within the regions. This project responds to these needs by producing regular reports which monitor and analyse the situation within the regions, while making recommendations for action to be taken by relevant authorities.

KHRP's internationally-respected publications have remained a valuable resource of information for governmental and intergovernmental organisations, including the UN, OSCE and European Parliament, together with parliamentarians, academics, non-governmental organisations, lawyers, students, press and broadcast media, human rights defenders on the ground and the general public. In doing so, KHRP provides a channel of communication between people on the ground in the Kurdish regions, particularly the most marginalised groups including women and minorities, and the policy makers with the influence to change their lives.

KHRP publications also provide legal analysis and information about remedies available for human rights violations. These publications, including practical manuals about the ECtHR and UN mechanisms and a biannual legal journal, enhance the capacity of human rights defenders, organisations and lawyers on the ground to take action against human rights abuses domestically. In 2004, they also prompted investigations by UN mechanisms.

Where appropriate, KHRP's reports and manuals are translated into Kurdish, Turkish, Armenian, Azeri, Russian or Arabic in order to be circulated among the communities in the regions, and are available in full online.

KHRP regularly receives feedback from its readership. One funder, the Community Fund (formerly UK National Lottery) has commented, "The publications enhance and complement the case work. These are very professionally done - extremely well written and well presented. Although published by the "Kurdish" Human Rights Project, they are balanced and would be convincing to a critical audience. It was quite clear from discussions with partner and other organisations. that it was felt the publications are an important way to raise international awareness of the issues. Turkish newspapers then reported on the production and distribution of these reports. This raised awareness both nationally and internationally of the issues."

Amongst KHRP's research initiatives in 2004 was the production of the 'Charter for the Rights and Freedoms of Women in the Kurdish Regions and Diaspora'. The Charter gives voice to the specific concerns of Kurdish women in recognition of the particular problems that they face in society. It also conducted innovative research projects into the practice of torture and ill-treatment in Turkey, the situation of Kurdish children and cultural and linguistic rights of Kurds throughout the regions. It has also commenced research into a number of areas due to be published in 2005, including an evaluation of human rights in the context of Turkey's EU accession negotiations and the situation of Kurds in Syria.

KHRP also produces briefing and position papers on numerous issues for dissemination to relevant stakeholders, at conferences and seminars internationally and online.

TRAINING MATERIALS

KHRP Legal Review 5 (2004)

The KHRP Legal Review is the only existing legal journal considering significant legal developments in the Kurdish regions of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria and elsewhere. Published biannually, it is intended to build capacity among NGOs, lawyers and human rights defenders by providing clear guidance, updates and analysis of issues relevant to the regions. This edition provides analysis of the law and practice of judicial appointments to the European Court; the retrial of Leyla Zana and other Kurdish former parliamentarians; trials of human rights defenders in Turkey; and recent developments before the UK Immigration Appeal Tribunal involving Kurds from Turkey seeking political asylum. It also includes a breakdown of Article 3 and Article 6 ECHR cases against Turkey in recent months. Finally, it includes European Court admissibility decisions and judgments from December 2003 to June 2004.

ISBN 190017572X

KHRP Legal Review 6 (2004)

The KHRP Legal Review is the only existing legal journal considering significant legal developments in the Kurdish regions of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Syria and elsewhere. Published biannually, it is intended to build capacity among NGOs, lawyers and human rights defenders by providing clear guidance, updates and analysis of issues relevant to the regions. This edition provides a summary of the European Commission's 2004 report on Turkey's progress towards accession. An article by Tim Otty and Ben Olbourne assesses the US Supreme Court's response to the 'War on Terror' in the Rasul and Hamdi cases. Further articles provide assessments of Turkey's implementation of European human rights standards (Jon Rud) and the establishment and protection of human rights under the ECHR (Declan O'Callaghan). A further article provides a detailed interpretation of the Charter for the Rights and Freedoms of Women in the Kurdish Regions and Diaspora published by KHRP and KWP.

ISBN 1900175789

TRAINING MATERIALS

Taking Human Rights Complaints to UN Mechanisms - A Manual (Turkish)

Intended to enhance capacity within the Kurdish regions, KHRP prepares materials including manuals to provide practical guidance to indigenous lawyers, NGOs and human rights defenders. A new manual published in Turkish provides a guide to taking human rights complaints to UN mechanisms. The manual includes an overview of the three categories of UN human rights bodies: the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, those established by the UN Charter (Charter-based bodies) and those established by provisions in specific legal instruments (treaty-based bodies). In addition, the Manual includes key texts, such as texts of the reservations and declarations entered into by member states in the Kurdish regions, model complaint forms and guidelines for the submission of complaints. It is published in conjunction with the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales. (Available Turkey only)

Taking Human Rights Complaints to UN Mechanisms - A Manual (Russian Language)

This manual provides a guide to taking human rights complaints to UN mechanisms. It includes and overview of the three categories of UN human rights bodies: the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, those established by the UN Charter and those established by provisions in specific legal instruments. In addition, the Manual includes key texts, such as texts of Kurdish regions, model complaint forms and guidelines for the submission of complaints. The manual was written and edited by KHRP Executive Director Kerim Yildiz and Legal Officer Anke Stock and published in conjunction with the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales. Its Russian publication is in conjunction with the Forum. (Armenia/ Azerbaijan only)

FACT-FINDING AND TRIAL OBSERVATION REPORTS

Turkey's Implementation of Pro-EU Reforms: Fact-Finding Mission Report This fact-finding mission report analyses the extent to which seven packages of pro-EU reforms (the Harmonisation packages) have been implemented in Turkey. The report focuses particularly on the legal, economic and social situation of two of the most vulnerable groups, Kurds and women. The mission concluded that serious human rights violations including torture and sexual violence in detention continue to occur in the Southeast region, discriminating against Kurds, women and children in particular. Concern is expressed over the failure to investigate honour killings and a lack of protection from domestic violence. It finds the Turkish authorities to have abrogated in their responsibilities to implement adequate return programmes for 3-million internally displaced persons (IDPs). It further expresses concern over the efficacy of judicial and language rights reforms which purported to allow greater freedoms in education and broadcasting in the Kurdish language, but have had little impact on the ground.

ISBN 1900175738

Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline: Human Rights, Social and Environmental Impacts - Fact-Finding Mission Report

This report is of interest to those concerned about the human rights, social and environmental impacts of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline in Turkey. The report presents the findings of KHRP, the Corner House, Friends of the Earth (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and Environmental Defense following their fourth international fact-finding mission to the Ardahan and Imranli regions. The mission was shocked by the extent to which the project is being implemented in breach of agreed standards, particularly those relating to land acquisition, potentially placing the project in violation of host country law, project loan conditions and the European Convention on Human Rights. The mission found that problems identified previously continued unaddressed, with severe impacts on villagers. In many cases these failures could have been avoided, had the project lenders been inclined to exercise greater realism with regards to the likelihood that project implementation could, and would, comply with agreed standards. The mission also pointed to the continuing gap between the legal reforms recently adopted by Turkey and their implementation in practice.

ISBN 1900175797

 

Report on the Trial of Huseyin Cangir - Trial Observation Report

This report presents the findings of a mission to observe the trial of Huseyin Cangir, the Chair of the Mardin branch of KHRP's partner organisation the Human Rights Association (IHD). Cangir had been prosecuted for the publication of posters advertising Human Rights Week (10 to 17 December) featuring the phrase 'Peace Will Win' (Asiti Bi Ser Keve) in Kurdish, on the basis that he had not sought permission from the Governor. The case highlights ongoing restrictions on freedom of expression and of association.

ISBN 1900175762

Report on the Trial of Ferhat Kaya - Trial Observation Report

This report is of interest to anyone concerned about the human rights, social and environmental impacts of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline in Turkey. The report, published jointly by KHRP, the Corner House, Friends of the Earth (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and Environmental Defense, presents the findings of an international mission which, in September 2004, observed the trial of Ferhat Kaya. Kaya is a Turkish human rights defender who was detained and allegedly tortured in May 2004 as a result of his work with villagers affected by the pipeline, and that of the eleven police officers accused of ill-treating him. The mission observed deficiencies in the trials amounting to violations of international fair trial standards, and pointed to the continuing gap between the legal reforms recently adopted by Turkey and their implementation in practice. Disquietingly, Kaya was once more detained and allegedly subjected to ill-treatment on 25 December 2004 - subsequent to the mission - and is now the subject of a further investigation.

ISBN 190017586X

RESEARCH

Torture in Turkey: the Ongoing Practice of Torture and Ill-treatment The passage of legal reforms aimed at improving human rights standards to meet EU accession requirements has failed to prevent the widespread and systematic deployment of torture and ill-treatment in Turkey. This book assesses the achievements and failures of Turkish authorities in preventing the torture and ill-treatment of individuals in detention and police custody. The perpetrators are usually law enforcement officials, gendarmerie and security forces. Torture methods used include rape, beatings, food deprivation, continual blindfolding, spraying with pressurised cold water and various methods of psychological torture and abuse. There has also been a marked increase in more sophisticated methods that do not leave visible marks on the body, including electric shocks, Palestinian hangings and falaka (beating on the soles of the feet). The issue is likely to be of critical importance in December 2004, when Turkey's EU accession bid is due to be reconsidered. The book is written and edited by KHRP Executive Director Kerim Yildiz and researcher Juliet McDermott. It includes a comprehensive assessment of the status of torture in Turkey, including that used against women and children. It also contains recommendations to the Turkish government, EU and UN Commission on Human Rights of further constitutional amendments which could bring Turkey into compliance with international human rights standards.

ISBN 1 900175 70 3

The Kurds: Culture and Language Rights

The authorities in Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria have used a variety of policies targeting aspects of Kurdish culture and language throughout the last century. Culture and language have become highly politicised bargaining tools, retaining a central role in the suppression of Kurds. A new book provides an assessment of suppression of Kurdish cultural and language rights throughout the regions. Written by KHRP Executive Director Kerim Yildiz and Georgina Fryer, the report first assesses the treatment of Kurdish culture and language throughout the twentieth century. It then assesses the rights of Kurds under existing international legal mechanisms, providing an analysis of the authorities' compliance. It compiles and documents the pronouncements on the denial and/ or protection of Kurdish culture and language rights made by international treaty and non-treaty bodies, and other mechanisms such as the OSCE and Council of Europe. Finally, KHRP assesses the current practical status of enforcing these rights in the four States, and makes recommendations to the relevant authorities mandated to ensure that the linguistic and cultural rights of Kurds are respected.

ISBN 1900175746

Turkey - the Situation of Kurdish Children

KHRP is concerned for the welfare of many children in Turkey, who, largely due to widespread poverty and the authorities' failure adequately to address their situation, have not received adequate protection as enshrined in various international instruments including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, the combination of armed conflict and continued discrimination has had an inevitably grave impact on Kurdish children. Kurdish children in Turkey, especially displaced children, suffer inadequate provision of the most basic needs: suitable housing, healthcare, basic nutrition and access to education. Many such children have been forced on the streets or elsewhere. Levels of emotional stress and depression are high; those subjected to detention have frequently faced torture or ill-treatment. KHRP considers Kurdish girls to be exceptionally vulnerable due to other factors, including the frequency of domestic violence, sexual abuse and forced early marriage. This report provides an overview of the socio-economic and historical factors which have brought about this situation. It assesses the implications of discrimination, housing, nutrition and health, education, child labour, street children and juvenile justice. Throughout, the report refers to Turkey's international legal obligations; urging the international community to recall these obligations when considering Turkey's eligibility for EU accession.

ISBN 1900175770

 

NON-ENGLISH PUBLICATIONS

Charter for the Rights and Freedoms of Women in the Kurdish Regions and Diaspora

  • English, Sorani, Kurmanci, Arabic (First edition)
  • English, Sorani, Kurmanci, Arabic, Turkish, French (Second edition)
  • Turkish

Discrimination against women occurs globally, but is all the more damaging when compounded with ethnic, religious or other forms of discrimination. Women in the Kurdish regions and diaspora, therefore, face an uphill struggle as they attempt to tackle discrimination on several fronts. Located in the strategically important region spanning the borders of Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria, millions of Kurdish women continue to witness the devastating effects of wars, military attacks and economic embargoes.

Against this backdrop, Kurdish women have been pushing hard to achieve the enforcement of human rights. The Charter for the Rights and Freedoms of Women in the Kurdish Regions and Diaspora has been continually developed to ensure that it appropriately identifies the needs and wishes of women in the Kurdish regions and diaspora. International and domestic bodies are urged to consider seriously the domestic incorporation of the rights and needs identified in the Charter in both letter and spirit.

KHRP/KWP

£5 (+P&P)

ISBN 1900175711

Kurdish Cultural and Language Rights' (Turkish language)

This report assesses the situation of the Kurds and to what extent their minority culture(s) is treated under the laws in place in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey. What emerges is a picture of a group that has been the victim of a prolonged campaign of cultural suppression in all four countries. Various tactics have been employed ranging from outright prohibition on the private use of Kurdish to more subtle forms of oppression via anti-terrorist laws. The report considers the national systems in place in each country and their compliance with international law standards, together with the status of Kurdish language, media and education in each country.

ISBN 975-344-308-0

Turkey - The Situation of Kurdish Children (Turkish language)

KHRP is concerned for the welfare of many children in Turkey, who, largely due to widespread poverty and the authorities' failure adequately to address their situation, have not received adequate protection as enshrined in various international instruments including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, the combination of armed conflict and continued discrimination has had an inevitably grave impact on Kurdish children. Kurdish children in Turkey, especially displaced children, suffer inadequate provision of the most basic needs: suitable housing, healthcare, basic nutrition and access to education. Many such children have been forced on the streets or elsewhere. Levels of emotional stress and depression are high; those subjected to detention have frequently faced torture or ill-treatment. KHRP considers Kurdish girls to be exceptionally vulnerable due to other factors, including the frequency of domestic violence, sexual abuse and forced early marriage. This report provides an overview of the socio-economic and historical factors which have brought about this situation. It assesses the implications of discrimination, housing, nutrition and health, education, child labour, street children and juvenile justice. Throughout, the report refers to Turkey's international legal obligations; urging the international community to recall these obligations when considering Turkey's eligibility for EU accession.

ISBN 975-344-323-4

FROM PLUTO PRESS

The Kurds in Iraq - The Past, Present and Future

Building on his profile as a leading defender of human rights, KHRP Executive Director Kerim Yildiz published his analysis of the situation of the Kurds in Iraq with publishers Pluto Press in 2004. The book explores the key issues facing the Kurds in Iraq in the aftermath of the US-led invasion and chaos of the occupation. It is the most clear and up-to-date account of the problems that all political groups face in rebuilding the country, as well as exploring Kurdish links and international relations in the broader sense. It should be required reading for policy-makers and anyone interested in the current position of the Kurds in Iraq. Yildiz explores the impact of war and occupation on Iraqi Kurdistan, and in particular the crucial role of the city of Kirkuk in the post-war settlement. He also looks at how UN rifts potentially affect the Kurds; relations between Iraqi Kurds and Turkey; relations with Iran; and US policy towards the Kurds.

Further information about a 20 per cent discount on the book for KHRP friends and subscribers is available on www.khrp.org

ISBN 0 7453 2229 8 hardback; ISBN 0 7453 2228 X paperback