Turkey and the Kurdish Areas

The areas concerning Turkey in which Jean takes a particularly active interest are human rights, the situation of the Kurds, the Ilisu Dam and the related issues of Export Credit Agencies. Jean has called for Turkey to address its human rights situation so that its application to join the EU can proceed. 

Jean meets regularly with Kurdish Groups in London and made a particular focus of the Ilisu Dam Campaign. She has also highlighted the positive role that Kurdish women can play in conflict resolution. 


"There is clear evidence that the UK has been turning a blind eye to Turkish bombing missions into northern Iraq, which have killed many Kurds, including civillians.  How can our Givernment call this a 'safe' area when people's lives are at risk from Turkish attacks which it chooses to ignore?"

Jean Lambert MEP


Ilisu Dam Campaign
Jean Lambert, visited the historic city of Hasankeyf which is due to be submerged by the Ilisu Dam project. She welcomed Balfour Beatty’s decision to pull out of the project and has urged Turkey to rethink its energy policy by developing one which accords with the protection of the environment and human rights.

“The environmental and social consequences of this scheme are huge and it has immense regional implications. The project could displace some 80,000 Kurds and cause serious problems relating to the issue of water resources.”

Jean Lambert MEP