Speaking at a solidarity event organised by the Adana Branch of the Human Rights Association (İHD), Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Serra Bucak underlined the importance of the association’s human rights struggle, saying: “We are living through a historic moment, and each of us has a very significant role and responsibility.”

The solidarity event, hosted by the Adana Branch of the Human Rights Association (İHD) at a hotel, was attended by Co-Mayor Serra Bucak, MPs, members of the Metropolitan Municipal Council, members of the Peace Mothers Assembly, and representatives of the İHD and political parties.

Addressing the gathering, Co-Mayor Bucak greeted participants and said: “On behalf of Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality—our co-mayoralty, our council members, and our elected administration—I extend my greetings to you all with respect and affection. To be your guest this evening, and to bring you the love and greetings of Amed and Diyarbakır, together with a spirit of friendly solidarity, is for us a great pleasure and a great honour.”

Emphasising the significance of the İHD having been founded 39 years ago, Co-Mayor Bucak spoke about experiences in the region during the 1990s. Noting that the İHD has left its mark on four decades of a century-long struggle for human rights, she said: “Despite years of displacement, these are people who have come together, integrated with one another, and met in the struggle for human rights, freedoms and equality. We are grateful that you are here.”

‘We are living through a historic turning point’

Stressing that the country—from east to west—is going through a highly significant process, Co-Mayor Bucak said: “We are living through a very sensitive period. We are living through a precious, historic turning point, and each of us has a very great role and responsibility. To fulfil this role, this mission and this duty properly, every one of us—in our respective fields, in the struggle for rights, in political parties, in local government, and most importantly in local government—must bring communities together, draw people closer to one another, and open up channels of dialogue as widely as possible, so that peace can take root in society and the equal and just society we long for can truly come to life. As local leaders, as municipalities and as civil society, we must bring our communities together and keep this door of dialogue open as much as we can. This is the awareness we act with—this is the responsibility, and the weight of it, that we carry. Dear friends, as we go through a difficult period, we also need a struggle for truth. That is why the Human Rights Association is so vital.”

‘We need a struggle for truth and accountability’

Emphasising peace, equality and social solidarity, Co-Mayor Bucak said there is a need for a struggle for truth and confrontation with the past. Noting that more effort is required to make these possible, she added that they also carry a responsibility to pass this on to future generations.