By. Sherzad MamSani

As the centenary of the Treaty of Lausanne approaches, it is crucial to reflect on the past and shed light on the persistent violations committed by the Turkish state against affected peoples. On this momentous occasion, a gathering near the United Nations office in Geneva will serve as a platform to denounce these violations and demand justice. This article explores the significance of the Treaty of Lausanne, highlights the ongoing transgressions, and outlines the actions being taken to address them.

The Treaty of Lausanne: A Historical Milestone:

The Treaty of Lausanne, signed on July 24, 1923, marked the end of the Turkish War of Independence and redefined the boundaries of modern-day Turkey. It was a pivotal moment for establishing peace and stability in the region, safeguarding the rights of various ethnic and religious communities affected by the conflict.

Persistent Violations: Turkish State’s Actions:

Despite the promises made in the Treaty of Lausanne, the Turkish state has continuously violated the rights of affected peoples over the past century. This includes acts of discrimination, cultural suppression, forced displacement, and denial of basic human rights to minority groups such as Kurds, Armenians, Greeks, and others. These violations have caused immense suffering and continue to impact the lives of countless individuals.

Commemorating the Centenary: A Call for Justice:

The centenary of the Treaty of Lausanne serves as an opportune moment to raise awareness about the ongoing violations and demand justice for the affected peoples. The gathering in Geneva, near the United Nations office, aims to bring together activists, scholars, and community representatives to denounce these violations and call for international attention and action.

Uniting Voices: Solidarity Among Affected Peoples:

The event will serve as a platform for affected communities to come together and share their experiences, fostering solidarity and unity. It will highlight the collective struggle against the Turkish state’s violations, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another in the pursuit of justice and lasting peace.

Advocacy for International Intervention:

The gathering in Geneva aims to draw the attention of the international community, particularly the United Nations, to the ongoing violations committed by the Turkish state. Through various forms of advocacy, including speeches, panel discussions, and exhibitions, participants will seek to shed light on the situation and call for meaningful intervention to address the grievances of affected peoples.

Raising Awareness: Media and Public Outreach:

To maximize the impact of the event, extensive media and public outreach campaigns will be undertaken. Through social media, press releases, and interviews, the message of denouncing Turkish state violations and supporting the affected peoples will reach a wider audience, amplifying the voices of those seeking justice.

Diplomatic Pressure and Policy Recommendations:

In addition to raising awareness, the gathering will also work towards formulating policy recommendations to be presented to relevant international bodies. These recommendations will call for diplomatic pressure on the Turkish state to adhere to the principles and commitments outlined in the Treaty of Lausanne and respect the rights of affected communities.

The Treaty of Lausanne Centenary Event held in Geneva aimed to unite voices against Turkish state transgressions and shed light on the historical significance of the Treaty of Lausanne. The event provided a platform for global leaders, scholars, activists, and individuals concerned with human rights and international law to come together and discuss the ongoing challenges faced by various communities affected by Turkish state actions.

The Treaty of Lausanne, signed on July 24, 1923, was a pivotal agreement that redefined the borders of modern Turkey and its relations with neighboring countries following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. It marked the end of the Turkish War of Independence and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. However, the centenary event in Geneva focused not only on commemorating this historic treaty but also on drawing attention to the contemporary issues stemming from Turkish state transgressions.

One of the primary concerns addressed during the event was the Turkish government’s treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly the Kurdish population. The Kurds, a distinct ethnic group spread across several countries, including Turkey, have long struggled for recognition and equal rights. Numerous reports have documented human rights violations, such as arbitrary arrests, suppression of cultural and political rights, and military operations against Kurdish communities, carried out by the Turkish state. The centenary event aimed to highlight these ongoing transgressions and encourage international support for the plight of the Kurds.

Moreover, the event also shed light on Turkey’s actions in other regions, such as Cyprus and Syria. The occupation of Northern Cyprus by Turkey since 1974 remains a significant source of contention within the international community. The event provided a platform to discuss the need for a peaceful resolution and the importance of upholding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all nations involved.

The situation in Syria, particularly the Turkish military’s involvement in the conflict and its impact on the Kurdish population, was another crucial topic addressed during the event. Turkey’s military operations in northern Syria, specifically targeting Kurdish forces, have led to displacement, loss of life, and human rights abuses. The centenary event aimed to emphasize the urgency of finding a diplomatic solution and ending the cycle of violence.

In conclusion, the Treaty of Lausanne Centenary Event in Geneva provided a comprehensive platform to unite voices against Turkish state transgressions. By examining the historical context and the current challenges faced by various communities, the event sought to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and encourage international support for the protection of human rights and the adherence to international law. It aimed to send a strong message to the Turkish government that the global community is committed to holding it accountable for its actions and advocating for justice, equality, and peace for all affected communities.