Akademik

(EUTCC)

   The EUTCC was established in November 2004 following what became its first of presently (as of February 2010) six international conferences held at the European Union (EU) Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. The Rafto Foundation (Norway), Kurdish Human Rights Project (UK), Medico International (Germany), and Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (UK) were the organizations that established the EUTCC. The goal of the EUTCC is to promote Turkish accession to the EU as a means to help solve the Kurdish problem in that country through guaranteed respect for human rights and minority rights and a peaceful, democratic, and long-term solution to the Kurdish problem. Thus, the EUTCC monitors and conducts regular audits of Turkey's compliance with the EU accession Copenhagen Criteria. It also makes recommendations, acts as a point of contact, and exchanges information with the institutions of the EU and other governmental and nongovernmental organizations about any shortcomings that may still persist.

   Kariane Westrheim (Norway) is the current chairperson of the organization. Kerim Yildiz, Anna Irwin, Hans Branscheidt, and Mark Muller are also key members of the organization's board of directors.