Intricacies of Engaging Diasporas in Conflict Resolution and Transitional Justice: The Kurdish Diaspora and the Peace Process in Turkey

Abstract

The growing literature on diasporas’ involvement in homeland conflicts shows that diasporas have the power to influence political, social and economic developments in their country of origin and residence. Although this is an emerging field of research, there is still much to discover about the roles that diasporas play in conflict resolution and transitional justice. This article intends to fill this gap by scrutinising the Kurdish Diaspora as a case study. It explores the intricacies of integrating diasporas into conflict resolution by analysing approaches of homeland actors and fragments within diaspora throughout the different stages of the peace processes.

Notes

1. This research is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European University Institute, Florence, Italy.

2. This research was part of a larger project called ‘Diasporas and Contested Sovereignty’, funded by the European Research Council.

3. This study was funded by the Swedish Institute.

4. The BDP was active on the political scene between 2008 and 2014. It is succeeded by People’s Democratic Party (HDP).

5. ‘BDP Kurt Sorunu Komisyon Raporu’ [BDP Kurdish Question Report], Available online [https://serdargunes.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/bdp-kurt-sorunu_komisyonu_raporu.pdf].

6. It is currently affiliated with the Kurdish political party HAK-PAR, which was founded in 2002 in Turkey.

7. Author’s interview, Amsterdam 2013.

8. Author’s interview, Sweden 2012.

9. Author’s interview, Berlin 2013.

10. Author’s interview, Berlin 2013.

11. Author’s interview, Berlin 2011.

12. Author’s interview with UETD representative in Cologne, 2011.

13. Author’s interview with former KOMKAR Representative, Paris 2013.

14. Author’s interview, Stockholm 2015.

15. Author’s interview, Amsterdam 2013.

16. Author’s interview, Stockholm 2015.

17. In 2004, Turkish Government enacted the Law on Compensation for Losses Resulting from Terrorism and Fight against Terrorism. For more information see Budak (2015, pp. 14, 15).

18. Author’s interview, Stockholm 2015.

19. Author’s interview, Paris 2013.