Altyazı Cinema Association (Altyazı Sinema Derneği) released the December 2023 and January 2024 issues of their monthly Free Cinema (Özgür Sinema) newsletter. Additionally, Altyazı Cinema Association initiated an event series titled “Altyazı Cinema Talks” featuring Altyazı writers Aslı Ildır and Ekrem Buğra Büte at the Gazhane Museum in Istanbul. Each month they will focus on a specific film genre and evaluate the notable examples of that genre.

The Cultural Research Center for Peace (Barış İçin Kültürel Araştırmalar Derneği, bakad), in collaboration with DEMOS, organized an online meeting titled “Seeking Justice and Inclusive Disaster Management”(Adalet Arayışları ve Kapsayıcı Afet Yönetimi) on the first anniversary of the earthquakes. The second episode of the podcast series “Worth Recording” (Kayda Değer) titled “Retracing a Line: Gayene Gevorgyan” (Bir Hattı Tekrar İzlemek: Gayene Gevorgyan) was aired with the narration of Ruken Ay. Atalay Göçer participated in the interview with Edanur Tanış from Medyascope to talk about commonalities between the LGBTI+ movement and the Kurdish movement, as well as the LGBTI+ policies of political parties.

The Association for Legal Support Against Sexual Violence (Cinsel Şiddete Karşı Hukuki Yardım Derneği) observed the proceedings of the Duygu Koral case on February 11. During the last hearing, the objections raised by the attorneys against the decision of “no need for prosecution” were upheld.

Women’s State of Solidarity Association (Dayanışmanın Kadın Hali Derneği, DAKAHDER) initiated voluntary psychological support services in January. Given the current prevalence of the effects of disasters and traumas, the need for psychological support has increased. DAKAHDER’s services are available to all women who have experienced violence and require assistance. The sessions are conducted at the association office with a limited number of participants. Additionally, at a meeting organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Attorney Aslı Pasinli, the president of the association, gave a presentation titled “Combating Violence against Women after the Termination of the Istanbul Convention”. In addition, a weekly dance workshop led by dance instructor Emine Tan commenced at DAKAHDER.  As of February 12, a reading workshop focusing on gender-related literature—suggested by the participants—has begun.

Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (Dicle Fırat Gazeteciler Derneği, DFG) inaugurated its representative office in Van on January 10, on Working Journalists Day. During the opening ceremony, DFG Co-Chair Serdar Altan said, “We will continue on our way with the slogan ‘Free press is a free society’.”

On January 11, Denizli Autism Association (Denizli Otizm Derneği, DOD) observed the trial of special education class students who had been subjected to violence by their teachers at the Denizli Courthouse. On January 25, DOD participated in a workshop titled “Children’s Rights and Rights-Based Work with Children in Disaster Areas” organized by the Bilgi University Social Incubation Center. On January 31, at the DOD Window, discussions were held on the necessary steps to ensure that individuals with autism and their families can lead lives in accordance with human rights and in dignity. On February 28, at the DOD Window, the report “Take Action for Autistic Earthquake Victims” was presented, and issues and potential solutions were discussed. 

The second of the seminar series “Searching for the Traces of Faith and Culture in Diyarbakır”, jointly organized by Diyarbakır Association for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets (Diyarbakır Kültür ve Tabiat Varlıklarını Koruma Derneği, DKVD) and bakad, was held under the title “Chaldeans and Diyarbakır”. The seminar, featuring researcher/writer Mehmet Şimşek took place at Mar Petyum Chaldean Church. Additionally, District Post (İlçe Postası), the new online exhibition of Diyarbakır’s Memory, is now accessible. DKVD commemorated the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the association on February 8.

Minus 25 Association (Eksi 25 Derneği) presented “Children’s Rights and the Ombudsman’s Office” in Hatay province as a best practice at the “Best Practices in Local Areas” workshop organized by the Turkey Local CSO Humanitarian Forum (TIF) in Gaziantep on January 21-22. 

Access Without Barriers Association (Engelsiz Erişim Derneği) called on the public to send Braille letters to the Union of Notaries of Turkey on January 4. The campaign, aimed at ending degrading and discriminatory practices in notary procedures, was promoted through interviews conducted with Bianet and Gazete Diken. Within the framework of the “Education without Barriers” project, the association successfully concluded online trainings on “Artificial Intelligence” and “Accessible Painting Workshop.” Recordings of these trainings can be accessed through the provided links. The inaugural session of the “Yoga Based Breathing and Meditation” trainings for members and followers took place in January, with the sessions scheduled to continue until April. The 119th and 120th issues of the magazine Equal and Accessible Life Without Borders (Eşit Erişilebilir Engelsiz Hayat, EEEH) were released.

Solidarity Association for Equality (Eşitlik İçin Dayanışma Derneği) launched an Instagram account and will use it to disseminate its announcements.

Migration and Humanitarian Aid Foundation (Göç ve İnsanı Yardım Vakfı, GİYAV) started adult-focused initiatives following the “Children’s Bodily Rights and Gender” workshops. On December 24, with the participation of parents, children and childhood were explored with a focus on bodily rights, emphasizing the best interests of the child. Additionally, workshops on “Storytelling and Writing Techniques” and “Stone Painting'' were conducted with children. Finally, prior to the local elections on March 31, Colorful Hopes Association (Rengarenk Umutlar Association), Children First Association (Önce Çocuklar Derneği) and Child Studies Association (Çocuk Çalışmaları Derneği), which work in the field of children’s rights in Diyarbakır, discussed policies on the right to the city and the right to equal access to urban opportunities.

Hevi LGBTI+ Association (HEVİ LGBTİ+ Derneği) provided counseling services 1123 times in total in 2023. Additionally, this year, it is offering free individual psychological counseling support to refugee LGBTI+s in their mother tongue until December 2024. On February 26, the association released the booklet “Frequently Asked Questions in the Legal Field for Refugee LGBTI+s”.

The Human Rights Association Headquarters (İnsan Hakları Derneği Genel Merkezi, IHD) shared the report titled “Rights Violations in Marmara Region Prisons October NovemberDecember 2023” through a press release on January 23. On the anniversary of the earthquake, IHD issued a press statement titled “Rights Violations Continue to Increase and Diversify on the First Anniversary of the February 6 Earthquake”. Furthermore, the association shared its report titled “LGBTI+ Rights and Rights Violations within the Framework of the Human Rights Action Plan'' with the participation of representatives of LGBTI+ Commissions from different branches of IHD on February 17. Finally, on February 21, the Human Rights Association issued a statement saying “21ê Sibatê Roja Zimanê Zikmakî ya Cihanê Li Hemî Zimanan Pîroz Be!” (Mother Language is a Right, Happy International Mother Language Day to All Peoples!).

The Human Rights Association Diyarbakır Branch (İnsan Hakları Derneği Diyarbakır Şubesi) prepared a Human Rights calendar as a memorialization work, aiming to strengthen the collective memory regarding severe human rights violations.

İsmail Beşikçi Foundation (İsmail Beşikçi Vakfı, İBV) initiated the İBV 2023 Fall Academy program on January 6 with the title “Kurdistan Nomos in the 20th Century”. Also on January 6, at the Diyarbakır Representative Office, an interview with M. Salih Gündoğan on “The Knowledge Journey of the Kurds from 1900 to the Present / Which Generation? What did they learn and how did they learn it?” took place. On January 13, the foundation celebrated its establishment anniversary and İsmail Beşikçi’s birthday. On January 20, an interview titled “Xanî and the Nation Debates” was conducted with sociologist Adnan Fırat Bayar at the Diyarbakır Representative Office.

On January 17, Women’s Time Association (Kadın Zamanı Derneği) issued a press statement on house raids conducted against numerous women’s rights activists, including the president of the  association, Dilek Başalan, across 28 provinces. On January 21, the association participated in the “Women’s Struggle in the Field of Culture and Arts'' workshop hosted by the Women’s Association for Culture, Arts and Literature (KASED). Women’s Time Association published the August 2023 - January 2024 report of the Women’s Counseling Center in both Kurdish and Turkish. On February 6, on the first anniversary of the earthquake, the association joined a march in Kadıköy to carry the voices of women in the earthquake zone to the streets of Istanbul. Association executives Dilşah Taş and Newroz Ünverdi gave an interview to Mezopotamya Agency on the right to self-defense and the impunity policies applied to perpetrators of violence. Additionally, Newroz Ünverdi was interviewed by Yeni Yaşam Women’s supplement regarding the monitoring report prepared by the association on Kurdish women’s access to mechanisms combating violence in their mother tongue. On February 25, an interview was conducted with Eren Keskin and Bircan Değirmenci at the association, discussing the book Keskin Bir Hayat (A Keskin Life) on Eren Keskin’s life.

Kırkayak Culture, Art and Nature Association (Kırkayak Kültür) continues its Feminist Theory School in the new year. Additionally, the Zeugma Film Festival organized by the association was held in Gaziantep between November 29 and December 3.

Komeleya Kurdi (Kurdish Research Association) organized a Mother Language Day event on February 21. It also released the first edition of the first-level trainer’s book for the Kurdish language.

Association of Families and Friends of LGBTI+ in Turkey (LGBTI+ Aileleri ve Yakınları Derneği, LİSTAG) organized various events such as bazaars and family gatherings. Additionally, the association prepared a desktop calendar for the new year for remembering and reminding important days for LGBTI+ people. The calendar is available for free download.

Mardin Joint Women’s Cooperation Association (Mardin Ortak Kadın İşbirliği Derneği, MOKID) opened Mokid Kitchen as a part of the “Initiative for Economic Growth and Success of Refugee, Local and Earthquake Survivor Women” funded by Welt Hunger Hilfe Association and RTL Media Group.

Mordem Art and Ecological Life Association (Modem Sanat ve Ekolojik Yaşam Derneği
 Mordem) conducted a Sêva Mêxekrêj workshop on February 14. As part of the project “ACT-Artistic Freedom and Children and Youth Perspective on Art in Turkey,” young individuals trained within the program engaged with young people in Diyarbakır's Kocaköy district through focus group meetings. The association also celebrated Serê Salê (Kurdish New Year) with children on January 13.

Children First Association (Önce Çocuklar Derneği) initiated the First Cultural Solidarity and Adıyaman Kömür Children and Youth Festival project with the backing of the European Union, in cooperation with Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, in partnership with Kömür Municipality and with the participation of Amed City Theater and Ma Music Center. As a part of the project, a culture and arts center will be opened in the town of Kömür in Adıyaman.

Pink Life LGBTI+ Solidarity Association (Pembe Hayat) organized a Together on Grief meeting in Ankara on February 4. Simultaneous events were held in Istanbul, Izmir and Diyarbakır to commemorate the recently deceased LGBTI+s and to talk about the mourning processes. In February, “2022-2023 LGBTI+ and Trans Media Monitoring '' report was published. Pink Life QueerFest and festival workers gathered at IHD Ankara Branch to protest against the Governorate’s decision to ban the 12th Pink Life QueerFest, which took place between February 23 to 25. They also issued a press statement on February 25 to announce that the festival was held without any interruptions.

On December 11, Colorful Hopes Association (Rengarenk Umutlar Derneği RUMUD) organized workshops for children aged between 7 to 15 residing in Sur, Diyarbakır. As part of the Human Rights Defenders Support Program supported by the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV), the association provided training for the expert team tasked with implementing the  “Culture of Peace for Children'' project. The project aims to create a perception of peace in children. On January 13, the Dicle Fırat Culture and Art Association in Sur hosted a Serê Salê celebration with the Child Studies Association and Lotus Young Space Association. On the night of February 6, on the anniversary of the earthquake, the project commemorated those who lost their lives at 04:17 in Diyargaleria.

Rosa Women’s Association (Rosa Kadın Derneği) organized a women’s meeting as part of the Human Rights Week. At the meeting, they discussed women’s human rights and mechanisms that can be used in cases of violence. On February 6, on the first anniversary of the earthquakes, Rosa Women’s Association met with women in the Foundation of Women’s Solidarity (Kadın Dayanışma Vakfı) and talked about women’s experiences and the problems they face after the disaster, as well as the issue of violence against women. On December 29, the association celebrated its 6th anniversary.

The Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association (SPoD) organized the event “Palestinian Resistance and Pinkwashing” at Kıraathane Istanbul Literature House on January 17, with the participation of Palestinian journalist Hasan Tahravi, socialist feminist activist Zarife Akbulut and social anthropologist Mert Koçak as speakers. The association also released the report “New Alliances to Disrupt Anti-Gender Narratives” from a joint project with Havle Women’s Association, DEMOS and Positive Living Association aimed at forging new alliances against anti-gender narratives.

Sulukule Volunteers Association (Sulukule Gönüllüleri Derneği) is undertaking a monitoring project on child poverty, highlighting child poverty as a violation of human rights and stressing the importance of offering free nutritional support in schools to combat child poverty. In this regard, if you wish to contribute to the research on the current situation, areas of concerns,, needs, best practices and infringements related to child poverty, you can fill out the participant form available here.

Tahir Elçi Foundation (Tahir Elçi Vakfı) organized “Online Information and Experience Transfer Seminars on Rights Advocacy Against Discrimination” on January 27-28 aimed at lawyers and legal interns who want to reach a holistic understanding of human rights and democracy as a part of Tahir Elçi Foundation Human Rights Academy. The second Tahir Elçi Human Rights and Freedom Award was given to the Saturday Mothers at a ceremony held in Ankara on January 20.

On January 24, Clean Clothes Campaign Association (Temiz Giysi Kampanyası Derneği) published its report “The Impact of the Earthquake on Textile Workers”. Moreover, the association published a report titled “Brands’ Use of Potassium Permanganate and its Impact on the Environment”.

Nevin Özgün, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Youth Re-autonomy Foundation of Turkey (Türkiye Çocuklara Yeniden Özgürlük Vakfı), passed on her 10-year term of office to attorney Selmin Cansu Demir.

Yayla (Gola) Culture, Art and Ecology Association (Yayla Gola Kültür, Sanat ve Ekoloji Derneği) held the “Cultural Policy Document Preparation” workshop on January 26 for the project they conducted jointly with Borçka Municipality as a part of the the Together: Culture Dialogue and Support Program. As part of the same project, a closed group gathered in Borçka on November 24-26 for the Apple School event, marking the first leg of the project. Those interested in practicing Laz language can meet weekly in the association's office in Fındıklı, Rize.

Rıdvan Caniş, a social worker of the Van Association for the Hearing Impaired and Their Families (Van İşitme Engelliler ve Aileleri Derneği, VİED), presented their field work during the “Provincial Coordination Monitoring and Evaluation Commission for Combating Violence against Women” meeting.