Turkey Prepares Law for Return of PKK Members Amid Advancing Peace Process

Introduction: Turkey is reportedly in the advanced stages of drafting a new law designed to manage the return of thousands of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters and civilians from their bases in northern Iraq. This legislative initiative marks a significant step in an ongoing peace process, often referred to as the 'Second Solution Process,' aimed at resolving a conflict that has spanned four decades and claimed over 40,000 lives. The proposed bill could be presented to the Turkish parliament as early as late November 2025.

Framework of the Proposed Legislation

The draft law is expected to outline a structured approach for the reintegration of individuals associated with the PKK. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the legislation will provide legal protections for those returning but will explicitly stop short of granting a general amnesty for past crimes. Instead, it is described as a 'PKK-specific' law, designed to avoid the politically sensitive term of a blanket amnesty. The plan envisions a phased return:

• An initial wave would include approximately 1,000 civilians and non-combatants.
• This would be followed by around 8,000 fighters, whose return would be subject to individual screening and verification procedures.

However, the repatriation of about 1,000 senior and mid-level PKK commanders has been rejected by Turkey, with ongoing negotiations suggesting their potential relocation to third countries, possibly in Europe. Some former fighters may also face investigation and trial upon their return.

Context of the Peace Process

This legislative effort is a direct outcome of a peace process initiated approximately a year ago. A crucial turning point occurred in May 2025 when the PKK announced its decision to disarm and disband, following a call from its jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan. Öcalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999, recently described the government's initiative as 'historic' and emphasized the need to integrate the 'Kurdish reality' into Turkey's legal framework. Symbolic gestures by the PKK have included a weapons-burning ceremony in July 2025 and the withdrawal of fighters from Turkish territory in October 2025. The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has been at the forefront of negotiations with the PKK.

Political and International Reactions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has acknowledged a 'new phase' in efforts to end Kurdish militant violence, following 'very constructive' talks with leaders of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party. Tayip Temel, deputy co-chair of the DEM Party, confirmed that 'work is underway on a special law for the PKK to enable the democratic and social reintegration of its members.' The DEM Party has played a central mediating role throughout the peace process. Numan Kurtulmuş, head of Turkey's parliamentary Reconciliation Commission, has stressed that any legal framework would be contingent upon the complete disarmament and verified dissolution of the PKK. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged Turkish lawmakers to leverage this peace process to reform existing laws that have historically been used to prosecute non-violent Kurdish activists. The PKK remains designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. Conclusion: The drafting of this law represents a complex and sensitive phase in Turkey's efforts to achieve lasting peace after decades of conflict. While offering a path for the return and reintegration of many, the exclusion of a general amnesty and the proposed relocation of senior commanders highlight the delicate balance being sought between reconciliation and accountability. The coming weeks will be crucial as the legislation potentially moves towards parliamentary consideration.