Simon Dubbins, well known and highly experienced Trade Unionist from UK spoke to journalist Erem Kansoy on the ongoing Turkey-Kurdish peace process. Dubbins also commented on the importance of Kurdish jailed Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s freedom for the wellness of the peace process.
04 December 2025
Dubbins reminded the different resolution processes in the world and emphasised the importance of international involvement in all processes.
Dubbins stated that Abdullah Öcalan must be free in order for the process to proceed as it needs to: “The Kurdish side have taken enormous steps. What is absolutely essential now is that the Turkish state responds properly and welcomes the initiative and also takes very concrete steps in order to allow Mr. Ocalan to be able to play the role that only he can play in bringing about a proper, peaceful and negotiated solution.”
The Turkey-Kurdish peace process 2025-
The Turkey-Kurdish peace process, officially relaunched in late 2024, is a recent and ongoing effort to resolve the long-standing conflict between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). It began with the PKK agreeing to disarm and dissolve, following calls from their jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan, and the Turkish government, though concessions from Ankara have been limited and transparency has been low.
Who is Simon Dubbins?
Director of International & Research UNITE the Union
Simon Dubbins has been the Director of International at UNITE the Union since 2007. He has over three decades of experience in the European and international trade union movement, focusing on multinational company representation, international political advocacy, and solidarity work with unions and human rights organizations globally. Dubbins is also a Chair of the ‘Freedom for Ocalan Trade Union Campaign UK’.