AMED – In the Amed (Diyarbakır), healthcare professionals and civil society organizations have launched a petition campaign in support of the “Peace and Democratic Society” process. Emphasizing that peace cannot be built without the inclusion of civil actors, they declared: “We want to be part of the process.”
At a press conference held yesterday at the Çand Amed Congress Center, local chapters of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) announced their demands regarding the peace initiative and formally launched a signature campaign. The initiative is supported by 269 civil society organizations, including labor unions, women’s associations, cultural institutions, and professional chambers.
Representatives from participating organizations stated that they are ready to contribute actively to the process.
‘PEACE IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY’
Amed Medical Chamber President Veysi Ülgen said their proposal received a positive response from other organizations. He stressed that peace is the foundation of a democratic society: “This is a historic opportunity. It’s a crucial process to ensure an end to war and the permanent silencing of weapons. As healthcare professionals and civil institutions, we cannot remain silent. Peace is not only the responsibility of combatants or politicians, it’s everyone’s responsibility.”
Ülgen said that the campaign would include educational events, public actions, and awareness-raising efforts, noting that civil society must be included in any parliamentary commission: “Their ideas and recommendations must be considered. We must learn from past mistakes. We believe peace will come to this country, and we are ready to do our part.”
‘WE’LL PUSH FOR INCLUSION IN TALKS’
Yıldız Ok Orak, co-chair of the Health and Social Service Workers’ Union (SES) Amed Branch, underlined that war impacts all communities: “Signing a petition is not enough. All civil actors must be part of the process. Without civil society, without mothers of peace, without confrontation and truth-telling, we cannot build a democratic society.”
She stated that as a member of the Amed City Protection and Solidarity Platform, they plan to meet with political parties and the Parliament Speaker to demand a place at the negotiating table: “We are ready to do our part. Permanent and honorable peace is only possible if all voices are included.”
‘WE WANT TO SERVE ON COMMISSIONS’
Ali İhsan Gündoğdu, President of the Batman Medical Chamber, recalled the cost of 40 years of armed conflict: “War is a public health crisis. It brings death, trauma, and disease. We launched this campaign to strengthen peace and support those taking steps toward it. Without peace, there is no health.”
Gündoğdu emphasized the importance of the planned parliamentary commission and called for the inclusion of health professionals, psychologists, and social scientists in the process: “This should not be a commission composed solely of politicians. We are ready to do what it takes to contribute and take part in these commissions.”
‘WE WANT TO BE PARTNERS IN THE SOLUTION’
Serhat Kılıç, co-chair of Education and Science Workers’ Union (Eğitim Sen) Amed No. 2 Branch, said they would promote peace among educators and laborers: “Peace cannot be achieved solely by disarming. Concrete steps must be taken. The process must be socialized. As labor and democracy advocates, we want to be part of the solution.”
He concluded with a call to action: “Let’s all take responsibility. We will carry this call for peace into every workplace where we are organized.”
MA / Sema Bingöl