Over time, protracted conflicts extend beyond disputes between opposing parties, reshaping social relations and affecting the fabric of society as a whole. This cycle of structural violence deepens social divisions, marginalises certain groups and fosters hatred, reproducing itself by continually rendering particular communities disposable. Therefore, the silencing of weapons alone does not mean that violence has ended. A state of calm achieved without addressing the structural problems generated by a protracted conflict creates the conditions for structural violence to persist in other forms. This is one of the key factors that make peace processes fragile and undermine their sustainability.

The recommendations below were prepared as part of the Youth for Peace project carried out by Hafıza Merkezi (Truth, Justice, Memory Center) in 2026. They were formulated by a group of young people aged 20–30 from different regions of Türkiye and with diverse ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds, selected through an open call. While the group does not claim to be representative of young people as a whole, its members came together to participate in a training programme on peace and experienced both the excitement and the challenges of collectively developing ideas through open discussion in a free environment. Grounded in the principles of equal citizenship, the right to participation, transparency, truth and nonviolence, this document sets out the expectations, aspirations and concrete recommendations of young people committed to peace.

YOUTH FOR PEACE_ RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AN INCLUSIVE AND LASTING PEACE.pdf by Hakikat Adalet Hafıza Merkezi 

Barış için Gençlik: Kapsayıcı ve Kalıcı Bir Barış için Öneriler by Hakikat Adalet Hafıza Merkezi