In 2018, we attended the London hearing event involving the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal (PPT).

The PPT is an international opinion tribunal established in 1979 in Bologna, Italy, with the aim of addressing human rights violations and offering a platform for the voices of people who have suffered such injustices.

Context of the Hearing

In 2018, the PPT held a session in London focused on the following issues:

1. Human Rights Violations Against the Kurds:

   • The hearing addressed various human rights abuses faced by Kurdish people in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.

   • It examined allegations of state violence, discrimination, and suppression of cultural and political rights.

2. Corporate Accountability and Economic Crimes:

   • The tribunal scrutinized the role of multinational corporations and states in economic exploitation and environmental degradation.

   • It investigated how economic policies and corporate practices impact marginalized communities, including the Kurds.

Proceedings of the Hearing

• Testimonies: The hearing featured testimonies from victims, experts, and activists. These included personal accounts of oppression, legal analyses, and expert opinions on international law and human rights.

• Evidence Presentation: Various forms of evidence were presented, such as documents, videos, and expert reports, to substantiate claims of human rights abuses and economic exploitation.

• Deliberation: The panel of jurists and experts evaluated the evidence and testimonies. The panel usually comprises esteemed figures in law, academia, and human rights advocacy.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the PPT London Hearing in 2018 were:

• Raising Awareness: To bring international attention to the plight of the Kurdish people and the adverse effects of corporate practices on human rights.

• Advocacy: To advocate for justice and accountability for the victims of human rights abuses and economic crimes.

• Recommendations: To issue recommendations for governments, international bodies, and corporations on how to address and rectify these issues.

Outcomes

• Verdict and Recommendations: The tribunal typically issues a verdict based on the hearings, which includes a detailed analysis of the findings and recommendations for action.

• Impact on Policy: While the PPT does not have legal authority, its findings can influence public opinion, policy-making, and international human rights discourse.

The 2018 London Hearing was a part of the broader effort by the PPT to provide a voice to those affected by systemic injustices and to hold perpetrators accountable in the court of public opinion.