In Turkey, armed opposition groups have killed unarmed civilians, including women and children, prisoners, Kurdish peasants and even their own members. In October 1993 PKK forces reportedly killed 11 children during an attack on a village near Siirt. It is a bitter irony that during the 12 years in which the PKK has pursued its objective of some autonomy for southeast Turkey, most of its civilian victims have been Kurdish villagers. Hundreds have been deliberately and arbitrarily killed because they joined the village guard system. Other armed opposition groups, including DHKP-C, have also killed civilians and prisoners.
Reform is possible Turkey has many of the institutions necessary to safeguard human rights.
It has enjoyed nearly half a century of parliamentary democracy. It has a comprehensive justice system and outspoken professional lawyers' associations. The HRA, with 15,000 members, is an effective watchdog on state abuses. Sections of the media have consistently monitored and reported violations. Most important, there is pressure for change from a wide cross-section of Turkish society.